Think you’re pretty sharp with numbers? Here’s a little brain teaser that looks simple at first—but it trips up way more people than you’d expect. The equation is:

4 × 4 × 2 – 4 ÷ 2 = ?

Now, don’t rush. That’s exactly how mistakes happen. The key here is to follow the correct order of operations. This math rule decides which part of the equation gets solved first—and trust me, it can totally change the outcome.

So, grab a pen or just use your brain, and let’s walk through it step by step to find the right answer. Spoiler: It’s not what most people guess on their first try!

Why So Many People Get This One Wrong

It looks easy… but it’s not. That’s the trap.

Most folks either dive right in and start from left to right or skip steps without realizing it. You know how it goes—your brain sees numbers and gets ahead of itself. But here’s the deal: this equation is all about respecting the rules of PEMDAS.

What’s PEMDAS?

It’s the universal order of operations:

• P: Parentheses
• E: Exponents
• MD: Multiplication and Division (from left to right)
• AS: Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)

No parentheses or exponents here, so we’re just working with multiplication, division, and subtraction. Let’s break it down the right way.

Video: Feeling overwhelmed? Take a moment with these light brain games!

Breaking It Down: Step-by-Step Calculation

Let’s solve: 4 × 4 × 2 – 4 ÷ 2

Step 1: Do the multiplication from left to right.

4 × 4 = 16
Then, 16 × 2 = 32

So far, we have:
32 – 4 ÷ 2

Step 2: Now do the division.

4 ÷ 2 = 2

So now it’s:
32 – 2

Step 3: Finally, do the subtraction.

32 – 2 = 14

There it is—the final answer is 14.

Common Errors That Lead to the Wrong Answer

1. Ignoring PEMDAS

One of the most frequent mistakes is doing subtraction before finishing all multiplication and division steps. That messes up the whole equation.

2. Going Left to Right Without Thinking

Some people go straight across the equation—4 × 4 = 16, then 16 × 2 = 32, then subtract 4 to get 28… and then divide by 2 to get 14. That works here but in other setups, this guesswork can backfire fast.

3. Misplacing the Division

People sometimes treat the equation as:
4 × 4 × (2 – 4 ÷ 2),
which adds unnecessary parentheses and throws off the logic.

Why This Puzzle Is Actually Good for You

These kinds of puzzles aren’t just about showing off your math skills—they’re mental workouts. They force your brain to slow down, double-check rules, and improve logic and problem-solving.

Think of it like going to the gym but for your mind. The more of these puzzles you try, the faster your brain becomes at spotting patterns and avoiding easy mistakes.

Want to Get Better? Practice Like This

The cool part is that you don’t need to be a math whiz to improve. Just take a few minutes a day to solve these quick challenges:

• Try one brain teaser during your coffee break.
• Set a timer and race a friend to solve it.
• Share puzzles on social media and challenge your followers.

Not only will your math confidence grow, but you’ll sharpen your focus and attention to detail—skills that help in everything, not just math.

Did You Get the Right Answer? Share and Compare!

Video: Math Quiz That’ll Stump Most People (Even Math Nerds)

So, did you land on 14, or did the puzzle throw you off? Don’t worry if you didn’t get it right the first time—this one trips up a lot of people.

Why not share it with friends and see how they do? It’s a great way to start a conversation or just spark some friendly competition. Plus, it makes you look pretty smart when you walk them through the answer.

Final Thoughts

At first glance, 4 × 4 × 2 – 4 ÷ 2 seems like a no-brainer. But without following the proper order of operations, it’s easy to end up with the wrong answer. This puzzle is a perfect example of why PEMDAS matters—and how a little attention to detail goes a long way.

Next time you come across a similar equation, take a deep breath and tackle it step by step. You’ll not only get it right—you’ll also boost your problem-solving chops in the process.

And hey, if you had fun solving this one, keep going! There are tons of puzzles out there waiting to challenge your brain.