At first glance, this looks like a simple equation you could solve in your head without even thinking. The numbers are small, the structure is basic, and nothing seems complicated.
But that’s exactly what makes it tricky.
The expression is:
6 + 2 × 2 − 6
Most people instinctively go from left to right. It feels natural—start with 6, add 2, keep going. But that approach leads to the wrong answer.
The key is remembering the order of operations. Multiplication must always be done before addition and subtraction, no matter how simple the equation looks.
So instead of rushing, slow it down.
Start with the multiplication:
2 × 2 = 4
Now rewrite the expression:
6 + 4 − 6
Next step:
6 + 4 = 10
And finally:
10 − 6 = 4
👉 Final Answer: 4