Here’s a tricky puzzle to test your skills! 5 + 2 (5 – 2) – 5 = ? It may seem simple at first glance, but be careful with your calculations—one wrong step can throw off the entire equation. Can you follow the correct order of operations and solve it? Try it yourself before reading the solution below. Once you’ve cracked it, share your answer in the comments and challenge your friends to solve it too. Ready? Let’s see if you can get it right!

Which One Is the Correct One?

Here’s a brain-teaser for you! Take a look at the following equation and see if you can figure out the correct result:

• 5 + 2 (5 – 2) – 5 = ?

This seems simple at first, but there’s a trick to solving it! Are you up for the challenge? Take a moment to work through the problem before checking the solution below.

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Need five minutes? Knock out these quick puzzles and relax!

Common Mistakes When Solving This Puzzle

Forgetting Order of Operations: One of the most common mistakes is not following the proper order of operations (PEMDAS). Some people might try to solve the equation from left to right, which will lead to an incorrect answer. Remember, multiplication and division should be done before addition and subtraction.

• Ignoring Parentheses: Another common issue is not correctly applying the operation within parentheses. The expression (5 – 2) should be handled first before moving on to the rest of the equation.
• Not Following the Correct Sequence: People sometimes mix up multiplication and addition/subtraction. It’s crucial to perform multiplication before you proceed with addition and subtraction.

How to Solve the Puzzle Step by Step

Let’s break it down carefully, step by step:

Start with the parentheses:

• (5 – 2) = 3

Multiply:

• Now, multiply 2 × 3 = 6.

Add:

• Now add 5 + 6 = 11.

Subtract:

• Finally, subtract 11 – 5 = 6.

So, the correct answer is 6!

Share Your Results!

How did you do? Were you able to follow the steps and arrive at the correct answer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! We’d love to hear how you solved it and whether you encountered any challenges.

And if you enjoyed this puzzle, don’t stop here—try more puzzles to test and improve your problem-solving skills! Keep sharpening your mind with fun brain teasers!