Can You Solve It Without a Calculator?

 

At first glance, the math problem on the board looks incredibly simple:

12 – 3 × 2 + 8

Many people rush to solve it from left to right and come up with the wrong answer. This puzzle is a great reminder that mathematics follows a specific order of operations.

Step 1: Multiply First

According to the order of operations, multiplication must be done before addition and subtraction.

So:

3 × 2 = 6

Now the expression becomes:

12 – 6 + 8

Step 2: Work from Left to Right

Since addition and subtraction have the same priority, solve them from left to right.

12 – 6 = 6

Then:

6 + 8 = 14

Final Answer

 14

Why Do So Many People Get It Wrong?

A common mistake is to calculate from left to right immediately:

• 12 – 3 = 9
• 9 × 2 = 18
• 18 + 8 = 26

This ignores the rule that multiplication must be completed before addition and subtraction.

The Lesson

Math puzzles like this are not really about difficult calculations. They test whether you remember the fundamental rules of arithmetic. Even a simple expression can trick people when they rush through it.

Correct Answer: 14