The equation shown is:
50 + 50 − 25 × 0 + 2 + 2 = ?
At first glance, many people instinctively read the equation from left to right. If they do that, they might incorrectly think:
- 50 + 50 = 100
- 100 − 25 = 75
- 75 × 0 = 0
- 0 + 2 + 2 = 4
This answer is incorrect because arithmetic follows a specific order of operations rather than simply moving from left to right.
The correct order of operations is commonly remembered by the acronym PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction) or BODMAS/BIDMAS in many other countries. According to these rules, multiplication and division must be completed before addition and subtraction.
Step-by-step solution
The original equation is:
50 + 50 − 25 × 0 + 2 + 2
First, identify the multiplication:
25 × 0 = 0
Now substitute that result into the equation:
50 + 50 − 0 + 2 + 2
Next, perform the remaining addition and subtraction from left to right:
- 50 + 50 = 100
- 100 − 0 = 100
- 100 + 2 = 102
- 102 + 2 = 104
Correct Answer: 104
Why this puzzle tricks so many people
The puzzle is not actually difficult mathematically. Instead, it relies on how our brains process information. The phrase “Don’t use a calculator” creates the impression that the problem is meant to be solved quickly in your head. As a result, many people stop paying attention to mathematical rules and begin calculating from left to right.
Another reason people make mistakes is that they focus on the subtraction before noticing the multiplication. Because subtraction appears earlier in the equation, the brain naturally wants to perform it first. However, multiplication has higher priority and must be completed before subtraction.
The expression 25 × 0 is especially deceptive. Many people subconsciously ignore it until after they’ve already subtracted 25. Once that mistake is made, the rest of the calculation produces the wrong answer.
The importance of multiplication by zero
One key concept being tested is the property of zero. Any number multiplied by zero equals zero.
Examples include:
- 8 × 0 = 0
- 125 × 0 = 0
- 999 × 0 = 0
Therefore:
25 × 0 = 0
This means the “-25” never exists by itself in the calculation. Instead, it becomes “-0,” which has no effect on the total.
A lesson beyond mathematics
This puzzle is also a reminder about critical thinking. Many everyday situations encourage people to react quickly instead of thinking carefully. Whether reading news headlines, interpreting statistics, signing contracts, or solving problems, slowing down and checking the details often leads to a more accurate conclusion.
The instruction “Use your brain” doesn’t simply mean “avoid a calculator.” It also means using logical reasoning, remembering the correct mathematical rules, and resisting the temptation to answer too quickly.
This is why the puzzle has become popular on social media. It looks simple enough that almost everyone feels confident answering immediately, yet many people overlook the order of operations and confidently give the wrong answer. The puzzle demonstrates that confidence alone does not guarantee correctness—careful reasoning does.
Final Answer
50 + 50 − 25 × 0 + 2 + 2 = 104 ✅
