At first glance, this problem looks extremely simple:
40 – 40 ÷ 4 × 2 = ?
But this exact type of equation is where most people make mistakes.
Why?
Because they forget the correct order of operations.
✅ Step-by-step solution:
According to math rules (PEMDAS / BODMAS), you must solve:
Division and multiplication FIRST, from left to right.
So we start with:
40 – 40 ÷ 4 × 2
👉 Step 1:
40 ÷ 4 = 10
Now the equation becomes:
40 – 10 × 2
👉 Step 2:
10 × 2 = 20
Now we have:
40 – 20
👉 Step 3:
40 – 20 = 20
🎯 Final Answer:
b) 20
⚠️ Why most people get it wrong:
A lot of people try to subtract first:
(40 – 40) ÷ 4 × 2 = 0 ❌
That’s incorrect because division and multiplication come before subtraction.
🧠 Quick tip to remember:
Always follow this order:
- Parentheses
- Division & Multiplication (left to right)
- Addition & Subtraction (left to right)
