Do Not Answer This Math Puzzle Until You Read It Twice: Answer

Did you get it right?

This chalkboard puzzle asks you to solve 40 – 8 / 2 x 3 = ? without rushing the order of operations.

The Answer

The correct answer is: 28.

Here is why

1. Handle division and multiplication before subtraction.
2. Read left to right for division and multiplication: 8 / 2 = 4, then 4 x 3 = 12.
3. Now subtract: 40 – 12 = 28.

Why people miss it

Many people either subtract first or stop after 8 / 2. The small trick is that division and multiplication are handled left to right before the subtraction.

What answer did you get before checking?