Here’s a math puzzle that’s been going viral—and it’s causing heated debates everywhere. At the top, we have a seemingly simple equation:
6 + 6 + 6 × 6 × 0 = ?
Sounds basic, right? But if it were truly that easy, why are people so divided? Some argue the answer is 0, others are confident it’s 6, and a few claim it’s something entirely different. So who’s right?
This is the perfect moment to put your math skills to the test and find out whether you really remember the rules—or whether you’re falling for a classic brain trap.
Why So Many People Get This One Wrong
The mistake isn’t always in math ability—it’s usually in rushing through the problem or forgetting a crucial rule: the order of operations. When we’re faced with a combination of addition and multiplication, we have to solve it the right way, not just left to right like we read a sentence.
People often get tripped up for these reasons:
They forget to apply the order of operations (PEMDAS).
They assume multiplying by zero cancels everything in the equation.
They add and multiply in order of appearance, rather than priority.
That’s why this simple-looking equation causes so much confusion.
Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Problem
Let’s walk through it slowly and carefully to reveal the correct answer. The expression is:
6 + 6 + 6 × 6 × 0
According to PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction), we must handle all multiplication before we even think about adding.
Video : Math Puzzle Explained! Can You Solve 6 + 6 + 6 + 6 × 0? 🤔🔥
So we look at the multiplication portion first:
6 × 6 = 36
Then take that result and multiply by 0:
36 × 0 = 0
Now go back and plug this into the equation:
6 + 6 + 0
And from there, simply add:
6 + 6 = 12
12 + 0 = 12
The Correct Answer Is: 12
Yes—despite how tempting it might be to shout “zero!” because of that big multiplication by zero, the actual result is 12, thanks to the rule that multiplication only affects the numbers it’s directly applied to—not everything in the entire equation.
Common Mistakes and Why They Happen
One of the biggest errors people make is assuming multiplication by 0 applies to the entire expression. But in math, that’s not how operations work unless everything is enclosed in parentheses. Others simply read the equation from left to right, adding and multiplying as they go, which violates the fundamental structure of solving multi-operation math problems.
Another mistake is rushing. Because it looks simple, people blurt out answers like “0” or “6” without taking a moment to process the logic.
Why This Puzzle Is So Engaging
This math riddle spreads so fast because it’s a perfect balance of visual simplicity and mental challenge. It tests how well people remember grade-school arithmetic while tricking them with clever placement of zero. And let’s be honest—nothing gets people more fired up than a math challenge they’re confident they’ve solved… only to find out they didn’t.
Video : How To Solve The 6s Challenge
Plus, it encourages healthy debate, humor, and brain-stretching thinking. Whether you’re 12 or 60, it’s a fun way to check in with your problem-solving skills.
What Was Your First Answer? Be Honest!
Now that we’ve walked through the logic, it’s your turn. What did you guess before seeing the step-by-step? Did you fall into the zero trap? Were you team 6? Or did you figure it out the right way?
Drop your answer in the comments and challenge a friend to solve it too. It’s amazing how many different responses this one puzzle can generate.
Conclusion: Sometimes the Basics Matter Most
This puzzle is a great reminder that understanding the basics can go a long way. In math and in life, small rules often have big consequences. All it takes is a little patience, a little structure, and a willingness to step back and think things through.
So next time someone tosses a simple equation your way, take a breath. Think clearly. And remember: multiplication doesn’t cancel everything unless it touches everything.
And if you had fun solving this one, there’s a whole world of math puzzles and brainteasers out there waiting to challenge your logic, memory, and problem-solving grit.
Stay sharp—and keep solving!
