Math Puzzles: Can You Solve the Hyde Park Math Zine Challenges?

A Tiny Texas Zine is Challenging the Internet with Hand-Drawn Math Puzzles

A hyperlocal publication out of Austin, Texas, is gaining attention for its low-fi approach to mathematical problem-solving. The Hyde Park Math Zine (HPMZ), a fanzine printed on a single folded sheet of paper with a circulation of just 30 copies, is offering a unique challenge to puzzle enthusiasts – and sparking a conversation about accessible math education. Can you solve it? The puzzles, distributed in the Hyde Park neighborhood, are now reaching a wider audience thanks to coverage in The Guardian.

The zine’s creator, Kevin Gately, a math educator, conceived of the project as a way to tap into the established fanzine culture prevalent in sports and music. “It dawned on me that there might be people in my community who find the novelty of a hyper-local math zine to be amusing and/or curious,” Gately told The Guardian. The response suggests he was right.

The appeal of HPMZ isn’t just about the puzzles themselves, but the format. In an age dominated by digital content, the tactile experience of a hand-written, photocopied zine offers a refreshing alternative. It’s a throwback to a simpler time, reminiscent of the DIY ethos that fueled independent music and art scenes for decades. This approach to disseminating mathematical challenges is a departure from traditional textbooks and online learning platforms.

The Puzzles: A Quick Gaze

Each issue of the Hyde Park Math Zine features three problems, designed to be approachable yet engaging. The current set of puzzles, as presented by The Guardian, includes a variety of challenges:

• Ring It: This geometric puzzle asks solvers to determine the total perimeter of a figure comprised of interconnected regions, each with a given perimeter.
• Eight Ball: A logic puzzle requiring the placement of digits 1-8 in a circular arrangement, with the constraint that adjacent digits cannot be consecutive.
• Round the Block: A perimeter calculation problem involving a shape with right-angled corners.
• Tennis Teaser: A probability problem centered around a tennis match between Steffi and Boris, requiring calculation of Steffi’s chances of winning the game given individual point-winning probabilities.

The puzzles themselves are largely adapted from existing sources, according to Gately, but are tweaked for the zine’s audience. The solutions were published by The Guardian at 5pm UK time on Monday, March 16, 2026.

The Rise of Math Zines and Accessible Education

The Hyde Park Math Zine isn’t an isolated phenomenon. It reflects a growing interest in alternative approaches to math education, and a desire to make the subject more accessible and engaging. While the zine’s circulation is limited, its impact extends beyond the boundaries of Hyde Park, Austin. The project highlights the potential for community-based initiatives to foster a love of mathematics.

The American Academy of Actuaries, for example, has long been involved in promoting actuarial education and research, as evidenced by their 1989 yearbook available online. While not a zine, it demonstrates a long-standing commitment to the field.

organizations like The Posse Foundation are working to increase access to STEM fields, including mathematics, for underrepresented students. Their 2020 annual report details their efforts to support diverse talent in STEM. These initiatives, alongside grassroots efforts like HPMZ, contribute to a broader movement aimed at democratizing math education.

Beyond the Puzzles: The Appeal of Fanzine Culture

The success of the Hyde Park Math Zine also speaks to the enduring appeal of fanzine culture. Originating in science fiction fandom in the 1930s, fanzines provided a platform for fans to share their enthusiasm and creativity outside of mainstream media. This DIY ethos spread to other subcultures, including music, sports, and politics.

Fanzines offered a space for alternative voices and perspectives, fostering a sense of community among like-minded individuals. The Hyde Park Math Zine taps into this tradition, creating a hyperlocal community around a shared love of puzzles and mathematical thinking. It’s a reminder that learning can be fun, engaging, and deeply rooted in local context.

What Happens Next?

Gately continues to seek out new puzzles for future issues of the Hyde Park Math Zine, inviting suggestions from the community via email. He has been setting puzzles regularly since 2015, demonstrating a sustained commitment to this unique form of mathematical outreach. The future of the zine remains uncertain, but its current success suggests that there is a strong appetite for this kind of low-fi, community-based approach to math education. The project serves as an inspiring example of how creativity and a passion for learning can flourish even in the most unconventional of formats.