Did you get it right?
This blackboard puzzle asks you to solve 7 + 7 x 3 – 5. It looks simple, but the multiplication must be done first.
The Answer
The correct answer is: The answer is 23..
Here is why
- Do multiplication first: 7 x 3 = 21.
- Then calculate 7 + 21 – 5.
- 7 + 21 = 28, and 28 – 5 = 23.
Why people miss it
The common mistake is adding 7 + 7 first. The order of operations changes the result.
What answer did you get before checking?
