Have you ever come across a simple math problem on social media that makes everyone debate in the comments?
Today, let’s look at a very famous viral handwritten math puzzle.
The puzzle shows a simple expression: 90 ÷ 10 + 7 × 2.
At first glance, it looks like a basic math problem from elementary school.
However, the note above the equation boldly claims: “Answer is NOT 18!”.
Is that statement actually true, or is it just a clever trick to confuse us?
Let’s break down the logic step by step using the standard rules of mathematics.
In mathematics, there is a fundamental rule called the order of operations, often remembered as PEMDAS or BODMAS.
This rule tells us which operation to perform first when solving an equation.
According to this rule, multiplication and division must always be done before addition and subtraction.
When we have both multiplication and division in the same expression, we simply solve them from left to right.
Let’s apply this rule directly to our math puzzle.
First, look at the division part: 90 ÷ 10.
When you divide 90 by 10, you get 9.
Next, look at the multiplication part: 7 × 2.
When you multiply 7 by 2, you get 14.
Now, let’s substitute these two results back into our original equation.
The equation becomes a very simple addition: 9 + 14.
Finally, we add these two numbers together: 9 + 14 equals 23.
So, the mathematically correct answer to the equation is 23.
Now, let’s address the statement in the picture: “Answer is NOT 18!”.
Why would someone think the answer is 18 in the first place?
If you make the common mistake of calculating strictly from left to right without following PEMDAS, you will get a completely wrong answer.
Let’s see what happens if someone makes that mistake.
First, they calculate 90 ÷ 10, which gives 9.
Then, they add 7 to 9, which gives 16.
Finally, they multiply 16 by 2, which gives 32.
Wait, even if you solve it incorrectly from left to right, you get 32, not 18!
So how could anyone possibly get 18?
Some people might make another error, such as adding before multiplying and dividing.
If you calculate 10 + 7 first, you get 17, which still leads nowhere near 18.
Therefore, no matter which common calculation method or mistake you use, the result is never 18.
This makes the statement “Answer is NOT 18!” absolutely correct in every single way!
The text in the picture is 100% accurate because 23 is definitely not equal to 18.
In conclusion, following the proper math rules leads us directly to the true result.
The final correct answer to this puzzle is 23.
