Here is the math test in the picture below.
At the top of the picture, we see the task.
Which solution do you think is the correct one?
50 + 50 − 25 × 0 + 2 + 2 = ?
Many people rush to answer and end up with the wrong result because they ignore the order of operations.
A
B
C
ANSWER:
Step 1: Follow the Correct Math Rules
In mathematics, multiplication is performed before addition and subtraction.
So we calculate:
25 × 0 = 0
Now the expression becomes:
50 + 50 − 0 + 2 + 2
Step 2: Complete the Addition and Subtraction
First:
50 + 50 = 100
Then:
100 − 0 = 100
Next:
100 + 2 = 102
Finally:
102 + 2 = 104
Final Answer
50 + 50 − 25 × 0 + 2 + 2 = 104
Why Do So Many People Get It Wrong?
Many people read the equation from left to right and mentally calculate:
- 50 + 50 = 100
- 100 − 25 = 75
- 75 × 0 = 0
- 0 + 2 + 2 = 4
This approach ignores the order of operations and produces the incorrect answer of 4.
The puzzle is not really testing arithmetic skills. It is testing whether you remember the basic rule that multiplication comes before addition and subtraction.
So if you answered 104, congratulations—you followed the correct mathematical procedure.
