This “Simple” Math Puzzle Is Breaking the Internet—Can You Solve It?

Think your math skills are still as sharp as they were in school? This viral brain teaser might prove otherwise.

At first glance, it looks like nothing more than a basic arithmetic problem—just a handful of numbers and familiar math symbols. Yet thousands of people have argued over the correct answer, with each side convinced they’re right.

So, are you ready to put your logic to the test?

Don’t Fall Into the Trap

The equation appears simple enough to solve from left to right. That’s exactly where most people go wrong.

This puzzle isn’t about difficult math—it’s about remembering the correct order of operations. Many people rush through the calculation, overlooking the fundamental rules they learned years ago.

Before you answer, remember the golden rule:

• Parentheses (Brackets)
• Exponents (Orders)
• Multiplication and Division (from left to right)
• Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)

Ignoring this sequence can completely change the final result.

Can You Beat the Challenge?

Take a careful look at the equation in the image.

Work through it one step at a time:

• Simplify anything inside the parentheses first.
• Complete multiplication and division from left to right.
• Finish with addition and subtraction.

No shortcuts. No guessing.

Many people are surprised when they discover their first answer was wrong—not because the math is difficult, but because the puzzle cleverly exploits a common mistake.

What’s Your Answer?

Did you solve it correctly, or did this deceptively simple equation fool you?

Share your answer in the comments and see whether you’re on Team A or Team B. Then challenge your friends to see who really remembers the rules of mathematics!