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Many viral maths shortcuts appear convincing because they work for a handful of carefully selected examples, but that doesn't mean they're valid mathematical rules. Some methods rely on patterns or coincidences that happen to produce the correct answer for certain perfect squares, yet fail as soon as different numbers are tested. In mathematics, a shortcut is only reliable if it works consistently for every case, not just a few examples. It's a great reminder that recognising patterns is useful, but those patterns must be backed by sound mathematical principles before they can be trusted.