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

Did you get it right?

This chalkboard puzzle asks you to solve 48 – 12 / 3 x 4 = ? without rushing the order of operations.

The Answer

The correct answer is: 32.

Here is why

1. Handle division and multiplication before subtraction.
2. Read left to right for division and multiplication: 12 / 3 = 4, then 4 x 4 = 16.
3. Now subtract: 48 – 16 = 32.

Why people miss it

Many people subtract too early. The small trap is that division and multiplication happen before the final subtraction.

What answer did you get before checking?