Here’s another quick mental-math challenge: 180 − 10 × 0 + 7 = ? You don’t need a calculator, but you do need to follow the correct order of operations.
What is the answer?
The correct answer is 187.
Let’s solve it step by step
First calculate the multiplication: 10 × 0 = 0.
Now the expression becomes 180 − 0 + 7. After subtracting zero, 180 stays the same. Add seven and you get 187.
Why does the graphic say the answer is not 180?
The headline is correct that the answer is not 180: the final + 7 still needs to be included. Zero only cancels the product 10 × 0. It doesn’t cancel the seven or any other term.
It’s easy to rush through these puzzles and stop too early. Multiply first, then finish the subtraction and addition from left to right. If you got 187, your calculation was right.
Try asking a friend and compare the steps rather than only the final answer.
