Hello, puzzle lovers! 👋 Imagine you’re taking a math test, and your teacher writes one simple equation on the board: 90 ÷ 10 + 7 × 2. Everyone thinks it will be easy, but then someone adds a surprising message above it: “The answer is NOT 18!” 🤔 Suddenly, the whole classroom starts debating. Some people rush to give their answers, while others stop and carefully examine the numbers. Can you figure it out before reading further?
📐 Here’s the secret: mathematics has a rule called PEMDAS/BODMAS, which tells us the correct order of operations. Multiplication and division come before addition and subtraction, and multiplication and division are handled from left to right. First, calculate 90 ÷ 10 = 9. Next, calculate 7 × 2 = 14. Now all that remains is simple addition: 9 + 14 = 23!
😲 But wait! What if someone ignores the rules and calculates everything from left to right? They would get 32, not 18! So where does the number 18 come from? The puzzle doesn’t provide a clear explanation for that answer. One thing is certain: following the standard mathematical rules gives us 23.
👇 YOUR TURN! Did you get 23 on your first try, or did the message make you second-guess yourself? Drop your answer in the comments, tag a friend, and see who can solve this puzzle the fastest! 🧠💬