Mathematical puzzles like this one often go viral on social media, challenging people to think critically and test their arithmetic skills. At first glance, the equation 3 × 2 + 2 × 0 may seem simple, but many people get it wrong due to common misconceptions about the order of operations.
So, let’s break it down step by step and uncover the correct answer.
Give It a Try Before Checking the Answer
Before we dive into solving the puzzle, take a moment to try it yourself. What do you think the answer is?
Many people rush into solving these types of problems and end up making mistakes because they overlook key mathematical rules. If you’re confident in your answer, keep reading to see if you got it right!
Common Mistakes People Make
There are a few reasons why people often get problems like this wrong.
- Ignoring the Order of Operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS)
Many people mistakenly perform the operations from left to right without following the correct mathematical order. However, multiplication must always be done before addition according to the PEMDAS or BODMAS rule. - Misunderstanding the Role of Zero in Multiplication
Some assume that the presence of zero means the entire expression will result in zero. While zero does eliminate the value of any number it’s multiplied with, it does not affect other numbers in the equation. - Making Quick Mental Errors
When solving problems quickly in one’s head, it’s easy to overlook details or forget to complete all steps properly.
Now that we’ve addressed these common errors, let’s go through the correct way to solve this equation.
Step-by-Step Solution: Breaking It Down
The given equation is:
3 × 2 + 2 × 0
To solve it correctly, we must follow the order of operations:
Step 1: Identify the operations
We have multiplication (×) and addition (+) in this equation. According to PEMDAS/BODMAS rules:
- Multiplication comes before addition
Step 2: Perform the multiplications first
Let’s calculate the multiplication parts first:
- 3 × 2 = 6
- 2 × 0 = 0
Now, the equation simplifies to:
6 + 0
Step 3: Perform the addition
- 6 + 0 = 6
Thus, the correct answer is 6!
Why the Order of Operations Matters
If you had solved the equation from left to right without prioritizing multiplication, you might have incorrectly calculated:
- 3 × 2 = 6
- 6 + 2 = 8 (Wrong approach if done before multiplying 2 × 0)
- 8 × 0 = 0 (Incorrect because the zero only applies to the last operation, not the whole equation)
This would lead to a completely incorrect result.
Key takeaway: Always apply the correct order of operations when solving math problems to avoid such errors!
Final Thoughts: Keep Solving and Stay Sharp!
Mathematical puzzles like this one are great tools to improve your critical thinking skills. Even simple-looking problems can trick people if they don’t pay close attention to the order of operations.
Keep challenging yourself with more puzzles, and always remember the PEMDAS/BODMAS rule to solve them correctly. The more you practice, the sharper your problem-solving skills will become!
Are you ready for another puzzle? Stay tuned for more fun challenges coming your way!
