Answer Is NOT 40? Math Puzzle Explained

Did you get it right?

This arithmetic puzzle asks: 90 – 5(7 + 9) = ? The trick is solving the parentheses and multiplication first.

Answer Is NOT 40? Math Puzzle Explained

The Answer

The correct answer is: 10.

Here is why

  1. 7 + 9 = 16
  2. 5 x 16 = 80
  3. 90 – 80 = 10

Why people miss it

Many people rush through the subtraction. Parentheses and multiplication must come first.

What answer did you get before checking?