This may seem easy but we are willing to bet that this tricky equation will catch you out!
A simple-looking image is making the rounds online, showing three lines of arithmetic. The first two lines are straightforward additions, but the third line changes things by introducing multiplication—leading many people to argue over the final answer.
What the Image Shows
- Line 1: 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1
- Line 2: 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1
- Line 3 (the actual question): 1 + 1 × 0 + 1 = ?
Step-by-Step: The Correct Way to Solve It
In standard arithmetic, you must follow the order of operations (often remembered as PEMDAS/BODMAS). The key point here is that multiplication is done before addition.
- Identify the multiplication: 1 × 0
- Calculate it first: 1 × 0 = 0
- Substitute back into the expression: 1 + 0 + 1
- Add from left to right: 1 + 0 + 1 = 2
Final Result
- Answer: 2
Why This Puzzle Tricks People
Many incorrect answers come from common mistakes such as:
- Doing everything left-to-right without prioritizing multiplication (treating it like (1 + 1) × 0 + 1, which is not how the expression is written)
- Mentally grouping numbers that are not in parentheses
- Assuming the first two lines are part of the calculation, even though only the third line has the equals sign and question mark
Extra Clarity: What About the First Two Lines?
Each of the first two lines equals:
- 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 5
If someone (incorrectly or playfully) chose to add the totals of all three lines as separate results:
- Line 1: 5
- Line 2: 5
- Line 3: 2
- Total: 5 + 5 + 2 = 12
But the image’s actual question is the third line, so the intended answer remains:
- 2
Key Takeaway
- When you see × (multiplication) in an expression, remember: multiply first, then add.