This short equation looks easy, but it can catch anyone who forgets the correct order of operations:
10 + 30 × 0 + 2 = ?
The correct answer is 12.
Multiplication must be completed before addition. Start with:
30 × 0 = 0
The equation now becomes:
10 + 0 + 2
Then simply add the remaining numbers:
10 + 2 = 12
So the final answer is 12.
A common mistake is to work through the equation strictly from left to right. But under the standard order of operations, multiplication and division are completed before addition and subtraction.
The multiplication by zero makes the middle part disappear completely, leaving a much simpler equation than it first appears.
Answer: 12.
