Can You Solve This Viral Math Puzzle? (Hint: It’s Not as Simple as It Looks)

The trap. Many people solve the equation from left to right.

The mistake. They forget the order of operations.

The result. They get the wrong answer.

The takeaway. The order of operations matters.

The solution. Follow the rules.

The Order of Operations

PEMDAS. Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), Addition and Subtraction (from left to right).

The rule. Multiplication and division come before addition and subtraction.

The effect. You must multiply before adding.

The takeaway. Follow the order.

The solution. Use PEMDAS.