At first glance, 90 ÷ 10 + 7 × 2 looks like a very simple equation. But a note above the puzzle warns, “Answer is NOT 18!” Is that clue giving away the solution, or simply adding another layer to the challenge? To solve it correctly, we need to remember the standard order of operations, often taught as PEMDAS or BODMAS.
The rule tells us that multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction. When operations have the same priority, such as multiplication and division, they are handled from left to right. So we begin with the division: 90 ÷ 10 = 9. Next, we calculate the multiplication: 7 × 2 = 14.
Now we combine the two results: 9 + 14 = 23. Therefore, the correct answer is 23, which confirms that the warning above the equation is correct—it is definitely not 18. The calculation itself isn’t difficult; the important part is recognizing which operations should be completed first.
Someone who ignores the order of operations and simply works from left to right might calculate 90 ÷ 10 = 9, then 9 + 7 = 16, and finally 16 × 2 = 32. That answer is also not 18, but it doesn’t follow the standard mathematical rules. So the correct solution is 23. 🧠 Did you get it right on your first attempt?
