It looks like a basic elementary school question in image_18.png, but this simple string of handwritten numbers is catching a lot of adults off guard online.
The problem asks you to calculate: 5 + 3 × 0 + 4.
If you rush and read straight across from left to right, you might add 5 and 3 to get 8, multiply that by 0 to hit 0, and then add 4 for a completely wrong answer of 4.
The correct way to find the solution is to follow the standard order of operations. Math rules firmly require you to complete any multiplication before moving on to addition.
First, solve the middle section: 3 × 0 equals 0.
Next, plug that zero back in: 5 + 0 + 4.
Finally, add those remaining numbers together to reach the true total.
Answer: 9.
