SPOILER - Do Not Open unless you want the answer to the Don't think too hard problem

[slaveofconvention]

This is one of those things that will, most likely, make you kick yourself. I accept no responsibility for any bruised ankles etc.....

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The answer to the problem is "2"

The reason - ignore the numbers - that is, the actual numerical values - imagine they're just shapes..... Then count the closed loops (or elipses) - for example a 0 is a closed loop - an 8 has 2 closed loops - 6 and 9 have one each. Add the total number of closed loops in each set of numbers and you'll come up with the answers listed.

I did notice (as have other people by PM) that there are no number 4's anywhere - I imagine this is to reduce the possibility of confusion of ambiguity as it kinda contains a closed shape, albeit a triangle as opposed to a loop......

[d_stilgar]

I think the no 4 thing is also because it isn't universally drawn. Some people close it, others don't.

[Drum Thumper]

I've seen a similar question involving the alphabet.

[Cale_Hagan]

yeah, funny thing about that. i couldn't guess that, but by viewing different values for each number, in multiple sets, i was able to add and figure out which value each number was, and from that i deduced the answer from adding the values.... never woulda guessed the circle thing.

[NightrainSrt4]

Same. After a few seconds I realized there wasn't a direct correlation between the numbers as a whole and the right side of the equation, so I looked at each number in the set individually, and the answer came pretty quickly.

You get the same values for each number, but don't know the reason why, aside from a mathematical one. I laughed my butt off when I read how the children figure it out.

[AmEv]

Wait, how did the kids find it out? By drawing in the loops?

[NightrainSrt4]

Yeah, as mentioned above, the children figure it out by noticing the value on the right is equal to the number of loops in the number on the left.

[AmEv]

So, what's the other way to find the solution?

Or is there only one.

[slaveofconvention]

Some people have suggested assigning values to numbers - but the only confirmed method I've seen so far was just an "adult" version of the counting loops, where 0,6 and 9 had a value of 1 and 8 had a value of 2 with everything else being worth zero - same system, slightly different terminology

[NightrainSrt4]

Yeah, every digit can represent a single value. 1,2,3,5,7 = 0; 0,6,9 = 1; 8 = 2. You can determine those values by substitution.

The underlying principle is the same as the way the children go about it, but using a form of mathematical substitution instead of counting shapes. They are essentially the same method, but you don't get the understanding of why the digits get their values without knowing the children's method. Based solely on the numbers and equations given you can prove each numbers value, but you don't know the underlying reason, the loops.