Social media is buzzing over a deceptively simple math problem that has even grown-ups second-guessing themselves. At first glance, it looks like basic arithmetic, but there’s a trick hidden in plain sight:

The Challenge:
Solve:

$$50+50–25\times 0+2+2$$

…without using a calculator.

Why Many People Get It Wrong

The common mistake? Reading the problem left to right, like a sentence. That approach can lead to answers like 0 or 4, but the correct solution requires following a specific order of operations.

The Key: PEMDAS/BODMAS

To solve this correctly, you need to remember the rules of math order:

• PEMDAS: Parentheses → Exponents → Multiplication/Division → Addition/Subtraction
• BODMAS: Brackets → Orders → Division/Multiplication → Addition/Subtraction

Rule: Multiplication and division always come before addition and subtraction.

Step-by-Step Solution

1. Handle Multiplication First
   Look at the middle: 25 × 0 = 0.

   The equation now becomes:

   $$50+50–0+2+2$$

2. Work from Left to Right
   • 50 + 50 = 100
   • 100 – 0 = 100
   • 100 + 2 = 102
   • 102 + 2 = 104

✅ Final Answer: 104

Why This Matters

These brain teasers aren’t just for fun—they’re a reminder of how easy it is to overlook the basics when we rush. It’s a perfect exercise to keep your mind sharp and prove that those grade-school math lessons still matter.

Did you solve it correctly on the first try, or did that sneaky zero throw you off?