
The image asks you to solve a deceptively simple equation: 9 + 3 × 4 − 2 = ? It’s tempting to calculate from left to right, but this puzzle is a reminder to follow the usual order of operations.
Calculate in the Right Order
Multiplication comes before addition and subtraction, so calculate 3 × 4 = 12 first. The expression becomes 9 + 12 − 2.
The Answer
19. Add 9 and 12 to get 21, then subtract 2 to get 19. Did you catch the trick?


