Mathematical puzzles like this one often go viral because they seem simple at first glance but trick many people into making errors. The equation:
Looks easy, right? But hold on! Many people get it wrong due to a common mistake. Before scrolling down to see the answer, take a moment to solve it yourself.
Did you get 59? Or was it something else? Let’s break it down step by step and see how many of you got it right!
Common Mistakes People Make
Many people rush through problems like this and make calculation errors because they don’t follow the correct order of operations.
The Biggest Mistake: Ignoring BODMAS/PEMDAS Rules
One of the most frequent mistakes is solving the equation from left to right without considering the correct order of mathematical operations. This leads to incorrect answers such as 69 or even 50.
Overlooking Multiplication Priority
A common mistake is treating all operations equally, assuming the equation should be solved in a linear sequence. However, multiplication takes priority over addition and must be handled first!
Step-by-Step Breakdown: Finding the Correct Answer
To correctly solve this problem, we must use the BODMAS/PEMDAS rule, which dictates the order in which operations should be performed:
- Brackets
- Orders (exponents, square roots, etc.)
- Division and Multiplication (from left to right)
- Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)
Now, let’s break it down properly:
Step 1: Identify the Priority Operations
The given equation is:
50 + 10 × 0 + 7 + 2
Following BODMAS, we must solve multiplication first before performing addition.
Step 2: Solve Multiplication First
In the equation, 10 × 0 is the only multiplication operation.
10 × 0 = 0
Now, the equation simplifies to:
50 + 0 + 7 + 2
Step 3: Perform the Additions
Now that multiplication is done, we simply add the remaining numbers together:
50 + 0 = 50
50 + 7 = 57
57 + 2 = 59
Final Answer: 59
If you got 59, congratulations! You followed the correct method. If not, don’t worry—now you know how to solve similar problems correctly.
Why Paying Attention to Details Matters
Math puzzles like this teach us the importance of following rules, being precise, and not rushing. In real life, even a small mistake in calculations can lead to significant errors—whether in finances, science, or engineering.
By training your brain with puzzles like this, you improve your logical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Challenge Your Friends!
Now that you know the right answer, challenge your friends and see how many of them get it wrong!
