Here’s a short math challenge that looks easy but rewards careful reading: 190 − 20 × 0 + 6 = ? Can you solve it without using a calculator?
The correct answer is 196
Under the standard order of operations, multiplication must come before addition and subtraction. So the first step is 20 × 0 = 0.
Now the expression becomes 190 − 0 + 6. Subtracting zero leaves 190, and adding six gives 196.
Why do people get the answer wrong?
A common mistake is to read from left to right and subtract 20 from 190 before performing the multiplication. Another is to assume the entire expression becomes zero because it contains multiplication by zero. But only the product 20 × 0 becomes zero; the numbers outside that multiplication remain.
If you answered 196, you followed the rules correctly. Short puzzles like this are a good reminder to check which operations take priority rather than rushing to calculate.
Try a similar question
Once you’ve understood the steps, make up your own expression with multiplication by zero and challenge someone else. The numbers may change, but the rule stays the same.
