This puzzle starts with $400 and gives two instructions: remove half, then add $40. The key is to apply each step in order.
The answer is $240.
Half of $400 is $200. Removing half leaves you with $200. Then add $40, bringing the total to $240.
The calculation is: $400 − $200 + $40 = $240.
Some people overthink this type of puzzle because “remove half” sounds like a trick. But here it simply means subtract half of the original amount. Once that is done, the final addition is straightforward. Breaking the problem into two simple steps is the easiest way to avoid mistakes.
