Did you get it right?
This chalkboard puzzle asks you to solve the expression carefully: 9 + 9 x 2 – 9 = ?
The Answer
The correct answer is: 18.
Here is why
- Do the multiplication first: 9 x 2 = 18.
- Then add the first 9: 9 + 18 = 27.
- Then subtract the last 9: 27 – 9 = 18.
Why people miss it
The tempting mistake is to go straight left to right. Multiplication has to be done before addition and subtraction.
What answer did you get before checking?
