Ready to put your brain to the test? Here’s a math puzzle that seems like a breeze… until it isn’t. It’s short, sweet, and surprisingly deceptive. The challenge? Most people get the wrong answer, not because the math is hard—but because they forget one important rule: order of operations.
So let’s play. Here’s the equation:
50 + 50 – 25 × 0 + 2 + 2 = ?
Go ahead—grab a pen, write it down, and work through it. You might be confident, but this one stumps more people than you’d think. Think you nailed it? Let’s break it down and find out.
Why This Puzzle Trips People Up
At first glance, it looks like basic arithmetic. Add, subtract, multiply—done. But here’s the twist: you have to follow the order of operations, often remembered by the acronym PEMDAS:
- Parentheses
- Exponents
- Multiplication
- Division
- Addition
- Subtraction
Multiplication and division come before addition and subtraction. And that tiny zero? It changes everything. One wrong move, and you’re headed for the wrong answer.
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The Most Common Mistakes
Let’s be real—most people tackle math problems left to right, like they’re reading a sentence. And in everyday life, that usually works out fine. But with problems like this one, skipping PEMDAS is a recipe for error.
Another common slip? Ignoring what happens when you multiply by zero. People often rush through, thinking the zero isn’t a big deal. But in this case, it’s the key that unlocks the entire equation.
Step-by-Step: Let’s Solve It Together
Let’s walk through the math slowly and make sure we don’t miss anything. The equation is:
50 + 50 – 25 × 0 + 2 + 2
Step 1: Handle the Multiplication First
We follow PEMDAS. The only multiplication here is:
25 × 0 = 0
Now rewrite the equation with that result:
50 + 50 – 0 + 2 + 2
Step 2: Work Left to Right with Addition and Subtraction
Now that we’ve done the multiplication, we’re left with only addition and subtraction. Time to go step by step:
- 50 + 50 = 100
- 100 – 0 = 100
- 100 + 2 = 102
- 102 + 2 = 104
Final Answer: 104
That’s it! The answer is 104. Simple when you slow down, right?
How Confident Were You?
If you guessed 104 right off the bat, pat yourself on the back—you clearly know your order of operations. If you didn’t, don’t sweat it. You’re definitely not alone. Most wrong answers come from solving the equation left to right without treating the multiplication step as a priority.
This little puzzle is a perfect reminder that even the easiest problems can trip us up if we aren’t paying close attention.
Why These Puzzles Matter
You might be wondering—why does a math equation like this even matter?
Because logic puzzles and mental exercises keep your brain sharp. They boost memory, improve concentration, and even train your brain to think critically. It’s like giving your brain a mini workout, minus the sweat.
Even more, it builds confidence. The more puzzles you solve, the more you trust your instincts—and sharpen your attention to detail.
Teach Your Kids (Or Yourself) to Master PEMDAS
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This math riddle isn’t just for grown-ups. It’s a fantastic tool to teach kids how to think clearly and avoid common math mistakes. Use it to show the importance of following the right steps—and how a single zero can flip the outcome.
Even if you’re long past your school days, practicing these types of problems helps strengthen mental agility and math recall.
Make Math Fun Again
You don’t need to be a math nerd to enjoy puzzles like this. Whether you’re sitting at your kitchen table, waiting in line, or just looking to challenge a friend, math brainteasers are a fun, screen-free way to stay mentally active.
Try turning it into a game:
Who can solve it fastest?
Who made the funniest wrong answer?
Who remembered PEMDAS and who… didn’t?
Conclusion: Don’t Let the Simplicity Fool You
This classic math puzzle is a perfect example of how something simple can still catch you off guard. The equation 50 + 50 – 25 × 0 + 2 + 2 looks harmless, but it’s a sneaky little test of attention and logic.
The answer is 104—if you followed the rules.
The real takeaway? Always double-check your steps, trust the process, and don’t underestimate how a single zero or misplaced operation can change everything.
If you enjoyed solving this, keep the momentum going. Dive into more puzzles, riddles, and logic games. It’s not just fun—it’s fuel for your brain. Happy calculating!
