A viral easy-looking math sum has left social media users confused as they attempted to take on the challenge.
This mathematical brain teaser may look simple, but users were left totally stumped.
X user @BholanathDutta posted the equation that befuddled many, but it can be solved using a special rule.
The problem read: 2 x 3 + 4 x 5 = ?
The user even gave a hint to solve the elementary-level equation by writing that the answer is not 40!
Can you crack it in under 30 seconds? Give it a try before scrolling down.
The best way to tackle this equation is by using the handy acronym PEMDAS, which has probably been drilled in your head since 5th grade.
The acronym stands for parentheses, exponent, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction.
A deceptively easy-looking math equation is driving the internet crazy. Can you solve it?
The letters indicate the best order in which to solve a compound math equation like this one.
If you rush through the sum left to right, you will certainly get it wrong, but if you use PEMDAS, you won’t.
According to the acronym, the first step in solving this sum would be multiplication as there is no parentheses or exponent.
2 x 3 = 6.
After that, the equation reads: 6 + 4 x 5 = ?
Then we multiply again: 4 x 5 = 20.
Now the equation reads: 6 + 20 = ?
Following PEMDAS, all you have to do now is add the two remaining numbers.
6 + 20 = 26.
Voila! The correct answer to this equation that has stumped many is 26
Voila! The correct answer is 26.
Did you get it right?
If not, don’t worry, a few users were tricked by this equation too.
While many lessons of our elementary school days feel obsolete, testing ourselves to recall old lessons can be a fun challenge.
