Did you get it right?
This chalkboard puzzle asks you to solve 8 + 8 x 2 – 8 without skipping the order of operations.
The Answer
The correct answer is: 16.
Here is why
- Do the multiplication first: 8 x 2 = 16.
- Then add the first 8: 8 + 16 = 24.
- Finally subtract 8: 24 – 8 = 16.
Why people miss it
Reading straight from left to right feels natural, but multiplication must be completed before addition and subtraction.
What answer did you get before checking?
