The Answer Isn’t What You Think!

Let’s begin by solving the equation using the standard order of operations.

230 − 220 ÷ 2 = ?

According to PEMDAS or BODMAS, division must be completed before subtraction.

First, divide:

220 ÷ 2 = 110

Now subtract:

230 − 110 = 120

So the correct numerical answer is 120.

But why did the mathematician answer 5!?

The Secret Is in One Tiny Symbol

Look carefully at the exclamation mark.

In mathematics, ! represents something called a factorial.

A factorial means multiplying a positive whole number by every positive whole number below it.

For example:

5! = 5 × 4 × 3 × 2 × 1

Let’s calculate:

5 × 4 = 20

20 × 3 = 60

60 × 2 = 120

120 × 1 = 120

And there it is!

Both Answers Are Correct!

120 = 5!

The mathematician wasn’t saying the answer was simply five.

The expression 5! represents exactly the same number as 120.

That’s the clever trick behind this puzzle.

The Final Challenge

Sometimes, understanding mathematics isn’t just about calculating numbers. It’s also about recognizing what different symbols mean.

Did you know that 5! equals 120, or did this little trick surprise you?