Here’s a deceptively simple arithmetic puzzle that catches people who read straight from left to right:
60 − 20 × 0 + 4 = ?
Before reaching for a calculator, remember the standard order of operations: perform multiplication before addition and subtraction.
Step-by-step answer
First calculate 20 × 0 = 0.
That leaves 60 − 0 + 4.
So the correct answer is 64.
The zero makes a big difference when you follow the right sequence. Did you get 64 on your first try?


