Here’s another seemingly simple math question: 10 + 10 x 10 = ?.
At first glance, the answer might seem obvious, but just like the previous quiz, it requires careful attention to the order of operations.
Can you solve it? Is the answer A. 110 or B. 200?
Let’s break it down and find the correct answer step by step.
The Correct Quiz Answer: It’s A. 110!
Surprised? If you’re leaning toward 200, you’re not alone.
Many people make that mistake, but once again, PEMDAS (or BODMAS in some regions) comes to the rescue to reveal the truth.
Let’s walk through the problem and explain why 110 is the correct answer.
Understanding the Problem: The Order of Operations (PEMDAS)
Just like the earlier math puzzle, the key to solving 10 + 10 x 10 correctly lies in remembering the order of operations.
The PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction) rule dictates that multiplication and division take priority over addition and subtraction, unless parentheses change the order.
Here’s what PEMDAS means for our equation:
- Multiplication comes before Addition.
Step-by-Step Solution
Let’s apply the order of operations to solve 10 + 10 x 10 correctly:
- First, multiply:
According to PEMDAS, we handle multiplication before addition, so we begin with:
10 x 10 = 100. - Now, add:
Once the multiplication is done, we proceed with the addition:
10 + 100 = 110.
So, the final answer is 110!
Why the Answer Isn’t 200
A common mistake is to add the numbers from left to right without applying the order of operations. Here’s how the incorrect calculation might look if you go in order without considering PEMDAS:
- Start with 10 + 10 = 20.
- Then multiply 20 x 10 = 200.
But as you now know, this approach is wrong. Multiplication takes precedence over addition, which is why the correct answer is 110, not 200.
Always remember to handle multiplication and division before addition and subtraction, unless parentheses tell you otherwise. It’s a small step that makes a big difference!
