This math puzzle looks incredibly simple, but it is designed to catch anyone who rushes through the calculation.
The expression is:
8 + 5 × 0 + 1
The most important rule is to follow the correct order of operations. Multiplication must be completed before addition.
Start with:
5 × 0 = 0
Now replace that part of the expression:
8 + 0 + 1
Then add the remaining numbers:
8 + 1 = 9
A common mistake is to work from left to right and add 8 + 5 first. Another mistake is assuming that multiplying by zero makes the entire expression equal zero. It does not. The zero only affects the 5 because those two numbers are being multiplied together.
Answer: 9.
Did you get 9 on your first try, or did the ×0 catch you?
