This quick mental-math puzzle asks: 250 − 50 × 0 + 7 = ? It looks simple, but some people rush and forget the order of operations.
The correct answer is 257
Multiplication comes before subtraction and addition. First calculate 50 × 0 = 0. That changes the problem to 250 − 0 + 7. Now subtract zero, which leaves 250, and add seven. The correct answer is 257.
Why people make a mistake
One common error is subtracting 50 from 250 before multiplying. Another is assuming that the presence of × 0 turns the entire expression into zero. Neither follows standard arithmetic rules.
Only the number 50 is multiplied by zero, so that product disappears. The 250 and the final + 7 are still there.
Remember this simple rule
When addition or subtraction appears alongside multiplication, calculate multiplication first. If you got 257 without a calculator, you solved it correctly. Try asking a friend to explain each step before revealing the answer.
