40 − 4 × 5 + 18 ÷ 3

Many people get this wrong because they ignore the order of operations.

Step 1: Follow PEMDAS/BODMAS

According to the rules of mathematics:

1. Parentheses/Brackets
2. Exponents/Orders
3. Multiplication and Division (from left to right)
4. Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)

There are no brackets or exponents here, so we start with multiplication and division.

Step 2: Perform Multiplication

4 × 5 = 20

The expression becomes:

40 − 20 + 18 ÷ 3

Step 3: Perform Division

18 ÷ 3 = 6

Now we have:

40 − 20 + 6

Step 4: Calculate Left to Right

First:

40 − 20 = 20

Then:

20 + 6 = 26

Final Answer

40 − 4 × 5 + 18 ÷ 3 = 26

Why Do People Get It Wrong?

A common mistake is to calculate from left to right without respecting multiplication and division first. That can lead to incorrect answers.

By following the proper order of operations, the correct result is:

26