Did you get it right?
This blackboard puzzle asks you to solve 36 – (12 / 3) x 4 = ? without rushing the order of operations.
The Answer
The correct answer is: 20.
Here is why
- Do the parentheses first: 12 / 3 = 4.
- Then multiply: 4 x 4 = 16.
- Finally subtract: 36 – 16 = 20.
Why people miss it
Many people read straight across and forget that the parentheses must be handled before the final subtraction.
What answer did you get before checking?
