Math challenges are making a huge comeback online, and one particular puzzle is grabbing attention with a simple layout—but a surprisingly tricky twist. It’s the kind of problem that makes you pause and ask, “Wait… what’s the catch?”

If you enjoy brain teasers and math riddles, let’s dive into this puzzle and solve it step by step. Be warned: many people get it wrong because they forget a crucial rule of math!

The Puzzle:

11 − 11 × 11 + 11 = ?

At first glance, it may seem like a simple arithmetic problem. The numbers are small, and the operations are basic: subtraction, multiplication, and addition. So why are so many people stumped?

Because the trick lies in the order of operations.

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Step-by-Step Analysis

To solve this correctly, you need to follow the order of operations. In the U.S., we use the acronym PEMDAS to remember the correct order:

• P – Parentheses
• E – Exponents
• MD – Multiplication and Division (from left to right)
• AS – Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)

Let’s apply this rule to the puzzle:

🔢 Original equation:

11 − 11 × 11 + 11

✅ Step 1: Do the multiplication first.

There is only one multiplication operation:

11 × 11 = 121

Now plug that back into the equation:

11 − 121 + 11

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✅ Step 2: Now move from left to right.

Start with the subtraction:

11 − 121 = -110

Then add:

-110 + 11 = -99

✅ Final Answer: -99

Despite the straightforward appearance of the puzzle, the correct answer is -99. Most mistakes happen because people try to solve it from left to right without doing multiplication first.

Why This Puzzle Tricked So Many People

This challenge works because it relies on pattern recognition. Your brain sees repeated numbers—11s everywhere—and instinctively wants to simplify things. That’s exactly how people overlook the importance of order of operations and get incorrect answers like 0, 11, or even 121.

This kind of problem reminds us why foundational math rules matter—especially when things look too easy.

Conclusion: Think Before You Solve

Math riddles like this are fun, but they also serve as a great refresher on how essential rules like PEMDAS are. Even if you’re not a math genius, remembering to apply the correct order of operations can save you from embarrassing mistakes.

So next time you see a “simple” math challenge, slow down, follow the rules, and enjoy the thrill of getting it right—just like a genius.

Have you ever been tricked by a puzzle like this before? Share it with a friend and see if they fall for it!