At first glance, this math puzzle looks incredibly simple, but it has fooled thousands of people online. The challenge is: 50 + 50 − 25 × 0 + 2 + 2 = ? Many people rush to solve it from left to right and end up confidently choosing the wrong answer.
The most common mistake is ignoring the order of operations. Solving it strictly from left to right leads to 50 + 50 = 100, then 100 − 25 = 75, 75 × 0 = 0, and finally 0 + 2 + 2 = 4. While this approach may seem reasonable, it does not follow the standard rules of mathematics.
To solve the equation correctly, you must apply the order of operations, often remembered as PEMDAS or BODMAS. Since multiplication comes before addition and subtraction, you first calculate 25 × 0 = 0. The equation then becomes 50 + 50 − 0 + 2 + 2, which can be evaluated from left to right.
Adding the remaining numbers gives 50 + 50 = 100, 100 − 0 = 100, 100 + 2 = 102, and 102 + 2 = 104. The correct answer is 104, not 4. It’s a simple but effective reminder that following the proper order of operations is essential, even in equations that appear easy at first glance.