This quick math puzzle looks simple, but the multiplication by zero is where many people make a mistake.
The expression is:
4 + 2 × 0 + 1
To solve it correctly, follow the standard order of operations. Multiplication comes before addition.
Start with:
2 × 0 = 0
Now the expression becomes:
4 + 0 + 1
Then complete the remaining addition:
4 + 1 = 5
So the correct answer is:
5
A common mistake is to work from left to right and add 4 + 2 first. Others see the ×0 and assume the whole expression becomes zero. But only the 2 is being multiplied by zero.
That small detail is what makes this simple-looking puzzle surprisingly easy to misread.
Answer: 5.
Did you get 5 on your first try?
