Are you ready to put your brain to the test with a deceptively simple-looking math puzzle that’s left countless people scratching their heads? This equation may seem straightforward at first glance, but don’t be too quick to answer. Only those with a sharp grasp of basic math rules will get it right on the first try, and many who consider themselves math-savvy still manage to make a mistake.
The challenge is to solve this equation as quickly and accurately as possible: 11 – 11 × 11 + 11 = ? Now, before you rush to grab a calculator or start solving from left to right, think about the rules of arithmetic that govern how you approach this. Sure, the numbers involved are small, and the operations are basic—just multiplication, subtraction, and addition—but the trick lies in applying the correct order of operations, something that often gets overlooked in a moment of haste. Many people are confident they’ve nailed the answer within seconds, only to find out they were way off. Some guess 0, others think it’s 121, and a few come up with completely different numbers. The variety of wrong answers posted online is a clear sign of just how sneaky this little math puzzle really is. So let’s slow it down and walk through it the right way.
The key to solving problems like this is using a well-known rule that helps us determine the sequence in which to perform operations. It’s called BODMAS, which stands for Brackets, Orders (like exponents), Division and Multiplication, Addition and Subtraction. In the U.S., a similar acronym called PEMDAS is used, but the principle is the same. You don’t just solve the equation from left to right—you follow the hierarchy of operations. In the equation 11 – 11 × 11 + 11, there are no brackets or exponents, so you start with multiplication. That means you handle 11 × 11 first, which gives you 121. Now, substitute that into the original equation and you get 11 – 121 + 11.
Next, you move on to addition and subtraction, which should be performed from left to right as they appear. Starting with 11 – 121, you get -110. Then you add 11, which leaves you with a final answer of -99. So the correct solution to 11 – 11 × 11 + 11 is -99. This result surprises many people because they either skip the multiplication step or treat all the operations as if they carry equal weight and go strictly left to right.
That approach leads to a wrong answer almost every time. The beauty of puzzles like this lies in their simplicity—they test your ability to recall fundamental math concepts, not your ability to memorize formulas or perform complex calculations. Even people who work with numbers regularly can get tripped up if they don’t pause and apply the rules correctly. It’s a humbling reminder that sometimes, the basics are the most important part of problem-solving. Solving this puzzle correctly requires more than just quick thinking—it requires careful attention to the order in which you tackle each part of the problem. And in a world where we often rely on calculators and apps to do the math for us, it’s refreshing to be challenged by a brain teaser that brings us back to the essentials. Whether you figured it out right away or needed a little help, this puzzle serves as a great mental workout and a fun way to stay sharp. It’s also a great one to share with friends and family—see who among them really remembers their elementary math rules. So the next time you see a simple math equation, don’t underestimate it. Remember BODMAS, take a second to think it through, and you just might prove you’re a true math whiz.
