If you take my age, subtract 8, multiply by 3, and then add 12, you get my exact age multiplied by 2. How old am I?
24
Let age be A. 3(A - 8) + 12 = 2A. 3A - 24 + 12 = 2A. 3A - 12 = 2A. A = 12? Wait. Let's check: 3(24-8) + 12 = 3(16)+12 = 48+12 = 60. And 2 * 24 = 48. Let's re-verify equation: 3(A-8)+12 = 2A -> 3A - 24 + 12 = 2A -> 3A - 12 = 2A -> A = 12? Wait. If A=12: 12-8=4; 4*3=12; 12+12=24. 2*12=24. Ah, 12 is correct, let me write the explanation for 12.
About this riddle
Math riddles hide a calculation inside a short story. Pull out the numbers, work out what is being asked, and watch for a trick such as a unit change.
Difficulty: Medium. More like this: Math riddles with answers or try Target 24 for a different kind of puzzle.
More math riddles
Eli makes 2 rows of 3 carrots and adds 3 more at the end. How many carrots are there in all?
Add the number of sides on a triangle to the number of sides on a hexagon, then multiply by the number of wheels on a tricycle. What is the final number?
Half of the 28 desks on the table are taken away. How many desks are left on the table?
If you flip a fair coin 3 times, what is the exact probability that you will get at least two heads in a row?
If three monkeys can eat three bananas in three minutes, how many minutes would it take one hundred monkeys to eat one hundred bananas?
There are 12 books in a box and 6 are taken out. How many books are left?

