When you multiply me by 2, the product is 15 less than the value of my square. If I am a positive integer, what number am I?
5
Set up the equation 2x = x^2 - 15. Rearranging into standard quadratic form gives x^2 - 2x - 15 = 0, which factors into (x - 5)(x + 3) = 0. Since the number must be positive, x = 5.
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: Easy. More like this: Math riddles with answers or try Target 24 for a different kind of puzzle.
More math riddles
Lily has 6 bunnies and finds 6 more. How many bunnies does Lily have now?
Ana counts flags in a pattern: 1, 3, 5, 7. How many flags come next?
Noah gets 6 baskets on Monday and 7 baskets on Tuesday, then gives away 2. How many baskets are left?
Noah counts leprechauns in a pattern: 3, 5, 7, 9. How many leprechauns come next?
One rabbit costs 2 dollars. How many dollars do 3 rabbits cost?
Eli makes 4 rows of 3 butterflies and adds 3 more at the end. How many butterflies are there in all?

