Solve the Order of Operations Challenge: Can You Get the Right Answer?

Solve the Order of Operations Challenge: Can You Get the Right Answer?

The expression is:

12 - 6 × 2 = ?

Many people answer this incorrectly because they calculate from left to right. However, mathematics follows the order of operations.

Step 1: Perform the multiplication first

Multiplication always comes before subtraction.

Calculate:

6 × 2 = 12

Now the expression becomes:

12 - 12

Step 2: Perform the subtraction

Subtract the remaining numbers:

12 – 12 = 0


Why do many people get it wrong?

A common mistake is solving it like this:

  • 12 − 6 = 6
  • 6 × 2 = 12

This gives 12, but it’s incorrect because it ignores the mathematical rule that multiplication has priority over subtraction.


Final Verification

12 - 6 × 2
= 12 - 12
= 0

Everything checks out.

✅ Final Answer

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