This quick math puzzle looks easy, but one small multiplication sign changes everything.
The expression is:
4 + 2 × 0 + 6
According to the standard order of operations, multiplication comes before addition. So begin with:
2 × 0 = 0
The expression becomes:
4 + 0 + 6
Now finish the addition:
4 + 6 = 10
So the correct answer is 10.
A frequent mistake is adding 4 + 2 before doing the multiplication. Another is assuming that seeing ×0 makes every number in the expression disappear. It does not. Only the 2 is being multiplied by zero.
Answer: 10.
These short equations are a good test of whether you remember the order of operations. A careful second look is often all it takes to avoid the most common mistake. Did you get 10 before checking the explanation?
