Most People Answer Before They Look Twice: Answer

Did you get it right?

This chalkboard puzzle asks you to solve the expression carefully: 7 + 7 x 4 – 7 = ?

Most People Answer Before They Look Twice: Answer

The Answer

The correct answer is: 28.

Here is why

  1. Do multiplication first: 7 x 4 = 28.
  2. Then add the first 7: 7 + 28 = 35.
  3. Then subtract the last 7: 35 – 7 = 28.

Why people miss it

A fast left-to-right answer changes the result. The order of operations is the whole trick.

What answer did you get before checking?