This short handwritten equation looks easy, but it’s designed to catch anyone who calculates from left to right without checking the order of operations.
The challenge
35 − 5 × 0 + 8 = ?
Before reaching for a calculator, remember that multiplication comes before addition and subtraction. One tiny zero makes a big difference to the answer.
Step-by-step answer
First work out 5 × 0 = 0. The expression becomes 35 − 0 + 8. Then add the remaining values: 35 + 8 = 43.
So the correct answer is 43. Did you work it out on your first try?
