
Here is another quick math challenge that can cause arguments at the kitchen table. The problem is 5 + 5 × 3 − 2. It is tempting to work across the line from left to right, but that would ignore an important rule.
In standard arithmetic, multiplication is completed before addition and subtraction. Try it yourself before reading the solution.
Answer and Explanation
The correct answer is 18. First, 5 × 3 = 15. Then 5 + 15 − 2 = 18. The order of operations is the key to this puzzle.


