Math puzzles are a great way to test your mind.
Some math problems look very complicated at first glance.
Other problems seem very easy, but they can easily trick you.
Let us look at the viral math puzzle: (5 + 5) x 10 – 10 / 5 = ?
Step 1: Understanding the Order of Operations
To solve this math expression correctly, we must follow a basic rule of arithmetic.
In mathematics, this fundamental rule is called PEMDAS or BODMAS.
These acronyms remind us of the correct order to solve operations.
First, we calculate everything inside the Parentheses (or Brackets).
Next, we evaluate any Exponents (or Orders).
After that, we perform Multiplication and Division from left to right.
Finally, we perform Addition and Subtraction from left to right.
If you ignore these simple steps, you will end up with the wrong answer.
Step 2: Solving Inside the Parentheses
Let us look closely at our expression: (5 + 5) x 10 – 10 / 5.
According to our rule, the absolute first step is the part inside the parentheses: (5 + 5).
We simply add five and five together.
5 + 5 = 10.
Now, we replace the parentheses with 10 in our original equation.
Our new expression becomes: 10 x 10 – 10 / 5.
Step 3: Multiplication and Division
Now we are left with multiplication, subtraction, and division.
The rules of PEMDAS tell us that multiplication and division come before subtraction.
Since multiplication and division have equal priority, we solve them from left to right.
First, let us do the multiplication on the left: 10 x 10.
Ten times ten equals one hundred: 10 x 10 = 100.
Now our expression looks like this: 100 – 10 / 5.
Next, we must do the division on the right: 10 / 5.
Ten divided by five equals two: 10 / 5 = 2.
Now we update our equation again.
The expression simplifies down to: 100 – 2.
Step 4: The Final Subtraction
We are now down to the very last step.
All that is left to do is a simple subtraction.
We subtract two from one hundred: 100 – 2.
100 – 2 = 98.
Conclusion: The Final Answer
The logical and mathematically correct answer to the puzzle is 98.
Many people wrongly guess 50 because they calculate straight from left to right without using PEMDAS.
When you follow the order of operations step by step, the math becomes clear and simple!
