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On two occasions I have been asked, ‘Pray, Mr. Babbage, if you put into the machine wrong figures, will the right answers come out?’ I am not able rightly to apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question.
Charles Babbage KH FRS (26 December 1791 – 18 October 1871) a mathematician, philosopher, inventor and mechanical engineer, Babbage originated the concept of a digital programmable computer.[Wikipedia]
A particularly apt quote given the math/logic puzzle of the day in that often, but not always, such puzzles cross over the imaginary boundary between the disciplines of math and logic. This is not to say that mathematics inherently is not defined by logic, but rather the tautology of the reverse of that statement is not necessarily true – e.g. not all logic is inherently mathematical. Either way or either direction, the commonality is a mind challenge.
Brain Games; Double the Challenge, Double the Fun?
Leaving these philosophical arguments aside and looking at the benefits of combining a mathematic and logical problem, the practical effect is to up the ante, so to speak, in the application of problem-solving skills. This adds up to not only more of a challenge, but arguably more fun where the solution comes with an extra-helping of dopamine once uncovered (not necessarily true, but quite a beneficial construct if it was). Continuing along these lines, benefits of a harder puzzle could possibly be a strengthening of concentration and thinking skills leading to greater cognitive flexibility and reasoning skills. Some have even suggested that this could be useful to children with ADHD, where “Since ADHD is basically an executive function disorder that affects memory, cognitive flexibility, and reasoning skills, it’s a logical step to think that brain games can help with the condition.” (Source: https://wholenewmom.com/brain-games-for-kids/) The brain exercise offered through a logical math puzzle is then almost like taking your brain to the gym for a whole body (and mind) workout!
PUZZLE: Following the sequence what are the missing numbers?
Logical Thinking, Pattern Identification
Skills
ANSWER:
The missing numbers representing the sequential power of 2, 3, 4, and 5 respectively, are: 8, 81, 4, 25.
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