
It looks like a simple equation on a refrigerator note: 8 + 4 × 2 − 3 = ? But quick mental math can be misleading if you read every operation from left to right. Give it a try without reaching for a calculator.
Remember the Order of Operations
Multiplication comes before addition and subtraction. Start with 4 × 2 = 8. Then the expression becomes 8 + 8 − 3.
The Answer
13. Add 8 + 8 to get 16, then subtract 3. Did you get it on your first try?


