Alright, math lovers—here’s a challenge that seems simple enough at first, but don’t be too quick to jump to conclusions. Ready? Here’s the equation:
6 + 7 * 8 + 9 = ?
At first glance, it might look like a quick mental math question. You see the numbers, and you think you can solve it in a second, right? But wait—do you know the order of operations? If you don’t, you might get the wrong answer! Let’s break this down step-by-step.
Step 1: Remember the Order of Operations!
We’ve all heard of PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction), right? Well, this is one of those moments where following the order of operations makes all the difference. The key rule here is that multiplication comes before addition. So, let’s tackle that part first!
Step 2: Do the Multiplication First
The equation you’ve got is:
6 + 7 * 8 + 9
Here’s the first step:
Multiplying 7 by 8 gives us 56. So, we can rewrite the equation as:
6 + 56 + 9
Step 3: Now, Add It All Up
Now that the multiplication is done, it’s time to add. So, let’s add 6 + 56 + 9:
First, 6 + 56 = 62
Then, 62 + 9 = 71
Final Answer:
6 + 7 * 8 + 9 = 71
See how easy it is to slip up if you don’t follow the order of operations? So the next time you face a similar equation, remember: multiplication comes before addition!
It’s a small but mighty rule that can save you from making mistakes—especially when you’re in a rush. Next time someone asks you to solve something like this, you’ll not only get it right but also look like a math genius. 😉
What do you think? Did this one trick you? Let us know in the comments if you nailed it on the first try or if it made you pause for a second!