Try this short math question without reaching for your calculator: 120 + 30 × 0 + 9 = ? The image suggests that 129 isn’t the answer, but is that actually true?
Calculate Multiplication First
The correct order of operations tells us to multiply before we add. In this expression, 30 × 0 = 0. That means the original equation simplifies to 120 + 0 + 9.
What Is the Correct Answer?
The mathematically correct answer is 129. After the multiplication, 120 + 0 + 9 = 129.
The image’s claim that the answer is not 129 is misleading: under the standard rules of arithmetic, 129 is precisely the right result. There are no parentheses or other instructions that would change the calculation.
How to Avoid Common Mistakes
Whenever you see addition or subtraction mixed with multiplication, handle the multiplication first. Multiplying by zero never erases the rest of the expression; it only makes that particular product equal to zero.
If you arrived at 129, you solved this one correctly. Sometimes the real test is trusting sound mathematical reasoning even when a headline tries to trick you.
