Are you ready to put your brainpower to the test?

This seemingly simple math equation is making the rounds online, challenging people to find the correct answer in just 10 seconds.

At first glance, it looks easy enough, but don’t be fooled!

Solving it correctly requires careful attention to the order of operations. Let’s break it down.

Your task is to solve this equation in 10 seconds or less. Think you’ve got it? Before you start throwing out answers, let’s review the basics: the order of operations. Remember, following the proper order is key to getting the right result.

B

C

The Order of Operations

In mathematics, we follow a specific sequence to solve equations. This is known as PEMDAS, which stands for:

Parentheses
Exponents
Multiplication
Division
Addition
Subtraction
When solving any equation, operations inside parentheses come first, followed by exponents. Next, we handle multiplication and division from left to right, and finally, we do addition and subtraction, also from left to right.

Step 1: Multiplication and Division

First, handle the multiplication and division, starting from left to right:

7 × 7 = 49

Next, divide:

7 ÷ 7 = 1

Now, the equation looks like this:

49 – 1 + 7

Step 2: Addition and Subtraction

Continue by performing the subtraction and addition, also from left to right:

49 – 1 = 48

Then, add:

48 + 7 = 55

So, the final answer is 55.