One Small Rule Changes Everything: Solution

Did you get it right?

This chalkboard puzzle asks you to solve the expression carefully: 7 + 7 x 2 – 7 = ?

One Small Rule Changes Everything: Solution

The Answer

The correct answer is: 14.

Here is why

  1. Do the multiplication first: 7 x 2 = 14.
  2. Then add the first 7: 7 + 14 = 21.
  3. Then subtract the last 7: 21 – 7 = 14.

Why people miss it

The left-to-right answer is tempting, but multiplication comes before addition and subtraction.

What answer did you get before checking?