Ready to challenge your brain with a deceptively simple math puzzle? This one’s been making waves across the internet. The problem is short, sweet, and just confusing enough to trip people up if they’re not careful.
Here’s the puzzle:
9 + 1 + 9 + 1 × 0 + 1
Looks easy, right? But before you jump into solving it, take a moment. Because how you approach this puzzle determines whether you land on the right answer—or fall into the trap.
Why So Many Get It Wrong
The trick with this problem lies in the order of operations. Most people are tempted to go from left to right, solving the equation like a simple addition string. It feels natural. But that’s exactly where most get it wrong.
The equation isn’t just made up of plus signs. There’s a multiplication sign buried in there, and that changes everything.
The Mistake Everyone Makes
Here’s how a lot of people incorrectly solve the puzzle:
9 + 1 = 10
10 + 9 = 19
19 + 1 = 20
20 × 0 = 0
0 + 1 = 1
So they proudly shout, “The answer is 1!”
But that’s not right. And here’s why.
The Rule You Must Follow: PEMDAS
To get this problem right, you need to remember the classic rule taught in math classrooms around the world: PEMDAS.
- P: Parentheses
- E: Exponents
- MD: Multiplication and Division (from left to right)
- AS: Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)
Video : What’s Your Answer 
No Cheating
According to PEMDAS, multiplication comes before addition. That’s the key to solving this puzzle correctly.
Let’s Solve It Step by Step
Take another look at the original expression:
9 + 1 + 9 + 1 × 0 + 1
Step 1: Handle multiplication first
1 × 0 = 0
Now, rewrite the equation:
9 + 1 + 9 + 0 + 1
Step 2: Perform the additions
9 + 1 = 10
10 + 9 = 19
19 + 0 = 19
19 + 1 = 20
Correct Answer: 20
Why This Puzzle Is So Clever
This isn’t just a math puzzle—it’s a logic test. It tricks you into thinking it’s easy. But as you now know, unless you apply the rules properly, you’ll end up with the wrong result.
It’s also a great reminder that tiny details—like the order of operations—can completely change an outcome. And isn’t that a lesson we could all apply to life, too?
Video : CRACK the 3×3 Grid Code in Seconds with this Easy Math Puzzle
Challenge Your Friends
Now it’s your turn. Send this problem to your friends and see what answer they come up with. Don’t tell them the solution just yet. Let them think. Let them struggle. Then drop the PEMDAS bomb and watch the lightbulbs go off.
Conclusion: Train Your Brain Daily
Riddles and puzzles like this one are more than just fun. They keep your brain sharp, boost your problem-solving skills, and help you slow down and think critically—skills that are useful far beyond math class.
So whether you nailed this challenge or learned something new, keep going. Seek out more puzzles. Play more logic games. Share them with friends. It’s one of the most enjoyable ways to grow.
And if you got the answer 20—congrats. You didn’t fall for the trap. You thought like a true problem solver.
