Can you solve this short math expression without reaching for a calculator?
36 − 6 × 0 + 4 = ?
Multiply first
According to the standard order of operations, multiplication is completed before subtraction or addition.
First calculate 6 × 0 = 0.
Now the expression is 36 − 0 + 4, which equals 40.
Final answer
36 − 6 × 0 + 4 = 40.
The tempting mistake is to subtract 6 from 36 before multiplying, but that ignores the order of operations. Even though the equation uses simple numbers, that one zero can make people hesitate.
Did you get it right the first time? Challenge a friend and compare your answers.
