Did you get it right?
This blackboard puzzle asks you to solve 40 – 6 x 3 + 1. The multiplication comes before the subtraction.
The Answer
The correct answer is: The answer is 23..
Here is why
- Do the multiplication first: 6 x 3 = 18.
- Then work the rest from left to right: 40 – 18 + 1.
- 40 – 18 = 22, and 22 + 1 = 23.
Why people miss it
Many people subtract 6 first because they read straight across too quickly.
What answer did you get before checking?