Subscribe now

BrainTwister #26: Up and down

Can you solve this week’s logic puzzle? Plus our quick quiz and the answer to last week’s problem

By Peter Rowlett

26 June 2024

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

Shutterstock/ktsdesign

#26 Up and down

Set by Peter Rowlett

Which is bigger, 30 × 30 or 29 × 31?

If we choose a number other than 30 and compare its product with itself to the product of the numbers one above and one below it, which is bigger? Does this always work the same way?

If you choose any two numbers that are above and below 30 by the same amount, what is the difference between their product and 30 × 30?

Solution next week

#25 Triangles in circles

Solution

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

From seven points you can make four triangles, and from 12 points, 12 triangles.…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Unlock this article

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 15 January 2025.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account