Did you get it right?
This blackboard puzzle asks you to solve 9 + 9 x 2 – 4. It looks simple, but the order of operations changes the answer.
The Answer
The correct answer is: The answer is 23..
Here is why
- Do multiplication first: 9 x 2 = 18.
- Then calculate 9 + 18 – 4.
- 9 + 18 = 27, and 27 – 4 = 23.
Why people miss it
The common mistake is doing 9 + 9 first. Multiplication must be handled before the addition and subtraction.
What answer did you get before checking?
