This math puzzle looks easy, but it can still catch anyone who rushes through the calculation.
The expression is:
1 + 5 × 0 + 7
The key is to remember the correct order of operations. Multiplication must be completed before addition.
Start with:
5 × 0 = 0
Now the expression becomes:
1 + 0 + 7
Then add the remaining numbers:
1 + 7 = 8
A common mistake is to work from left to right and add 1 + 5 before dealing with the multiplication. Another mistake is thinking the zero makes the whole expression equal zero. It does not. The zero only affects the 5 because those two numbers are being multiplied together.
Answer: 8.
It is a short equation, but that little ×0 is enough to make plenty of people second-guess themselves. Did you get 8 on your first try?
