At first glance, this puzzle looks like a simple set of lines. The top grid shows two squares across and two squares down, and it mysteriously “equals 5.” The larger grid below shows three by three… and the challenge asks: what’s the answer?

The trick is not arithmetic — it’s about counting how many squares are hidden inside the pattern.

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How It Works

In the first grid (2×2):

• There are 4 small squares.

• Plus 1 big square that frames them all.
  That gives us a total of 5 squares. Mystery solved.

Now for the second grid (3×3):

• You can see 9 small squares (1×1).

• Then, there are 4 medium squares (2×2).

• Finally, the 1 largest square (3×3).
  When you add them up: 9 + 4 + 1 = 14.

So the correct answer to the puzzle is 14.

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Why People Get Tricked

Our brains are quick to see the obvious small boxes but often miss the larger “hidden” ones. That’s why many people guess too low at first. It’s a neat example of how perception can overlook simple patterns hiding in plain sight.

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Fun Fact Takeaway

This little puzzle is less about math and more about attention to detail. It shows that sometimes the hardest problems aren’t about solving equations — they’re about looking closer. Next time you see a puzzle like this, remember: count carefully, because there’s always more than meets the eye.