Here’s a quick brain teaser that catches people who rush through the arithmetic: 20 − 10 × 0 + 8 = ?
When a calculation contains multiplication and subtraction, the order matters. You cannot simply solve every step from left to right. Start with the multiplication and then finish the remaining addition and subtraction.
Step-by-step solution
First, 10 × 0 = 0. That leaves 20 − 0 + 8. Working from left to right for the remaining operations gives 20 + 8.
Answer: 28.
Did you get 28 on your first attempt? This little puzzle is a fun reminder that the multiplication sign deserves attention, even when zero is involved.
