Can you solve this IQ test puzzle from Mensa?

The answer is 2.

How I arrived at this answer in a few seconds:

1) I questioned: How are the inner numbers created?

(To identify a specific pattern. To identify which numbers interrelate to form

this specific pattern. I noticed the outer rim numbers of this triangle are 4 and 2;

and the inner number of the next triangle - clockwise - is 6.)

2) I added the outer rim numbers (4 + 2) and got 6.

3) 6 is the inner number of the next triangle (clockwise).

4) I added that triangle's outer rim numbers (3 + 7) and got 10.

5) The correct pattern is identified. (Adding the 2 outer rim numbers

will give the inner number of the next triangle - clockwise.)

6) Going clockwise, the last triangle contains the outer rim numbers 1 and 1.

1 + 1 = 2

2 is the answer.

Note: Demystifying a specific type of Mensa Test question

This question tests for inductive and deductive reasoning skills as well as for pattern recognition skills.

To quickly solve pattern recognition test questions, the key is to begin with the

question mark (?) and wherever the question mark is placed. Then seek to

identify a specific pattern. That is the reason my first step was to question how

the inner numbers are created - the (?) is a part of the inner numbers.

I sought the pattern that created the inner numbers.

Understanding paradigms and how the components of paradigms shift or work in tandem make tests like this simple to solve.

This is not a computational or conceptual math problem, so complicated math formulas will not work. Using them shows a lack of understanding of the problem solving tools, processes, and pattern recognition language that must be used to solve this specific class of problem.

Recognize what logic skills are needed (inductive and deductive reasoning in this case), know how to use them (to recognize and to "rule out" wrong patterns quickly), and at what points to apply these specific skills.

Speed thinking is crucial to do well on Mensa tests.

An essential tool for speed thinking is the ability to be elegantly simple. Think of Einstein and Steve Jobs, how they simplified by cutting out clutter.

Mental clutter creates confusion.

Confusion will bury correct processes (the baby steps that must be taken to solve the problem).

Confusion will bury essential "rule out" skills.

Practice mental clutter cutting until you can see the relevant beautiful patternsquickly and intuitively.

You will gain the skill of clarity - clear thinking.

The habit of simple, clear thinking enabled me to develop the skills of speed thinking and intuition.

At the first step I intuitively had an image in my mind of a morning glory flower. My subconscious had already solved the puzzle before I consciously knew the answer. The morning glory flower flashed the answer to me.

Can you see the morning glory pattern in the Mensa test question?

A vision of the skeleton flower (Dyphelliea Grayi) would have worked, too.

There must be an understanding of logic as well as the ability to recognize this test calls for pattern recognition skills.

Understand clearly that there are different types of test questions; and know what problem solving processes are to be used accordingly.