Most People Miss the Order: Answer

Did you get it right?

This chalkboard puzzle asks you to solve the expression carefully: 8 + 8 x 4 – 8 = ?

The Answer

The correct answer is: 32.

Here is why

  1. Do the multiplication first: 8 x 4 = 32.
  2. Then add the first 8: 8 + 32 = 40.
  3. Then subtract the last 8: 40 – 8 = 32.

Why people miss it

The quick left-to-right answer is tempting, but multiplication comes before addition and subtraction.

What answer did you get before checking?