This viral math puzzle challenges you to solve a simple-looking equation in just five seconds: (5 + 5) × 10 − 10 ÷ 5 = ? Many people rush through the calculation, while others get confused by the order of operations. The headline warns, “Answer is NOT 50!” — but can you find the correct answer without a calculator?

The first step is to solve the expression inside the parentheses: 5 + 5 = 10. The equation now becomes 10 × 10 − 10 ÷ 5. This is where many people make mistakes by calculating everything strictly from left to right instead of following the standard mathematical rules.

According to PEMDAS/BODMAS, multiplication and division have equal priority and must be performed from left to right before subtraction. First, (10 × 10 = 100). Next, (10 ÷ 5 = 2). The expression is now 100 − 2, which gives us the final result: 98. The answer is not 50 because the division must be completed before the subtraction.

So, the correct answer is 98! 🎯 How long did it take you to solve the puzzle? Did you get it right on your first attempt, or did the tempting answer of 50 throw you off? Share your result in the comments and challenge your friends to see who can solve it the fastest!