Social media has been buzzing lately with a math puzzle that has left even the sharpest minds scratching their heads. This challenge may seem simple at first glance, but solving it requires focus and an understanding of basic arithmetic rules. So, are you ready to give your brain a workout and join the thousands of people attempting to crack this viral puzzle?

Seems straightforward, right? But before you rush to solve it, there’s a catch. You’re not allowed to use a calculator or even pen and paper—this one’s all about mental math. Let’s break it down and uncover the correct solution together.

When it comes to math puzzles, one of the most common mistakes people make is neglecting the order of operations. It’s easy to get caught up in performing calculations from left to right, but that approach can lead to incorrect answers. The key to solving puzzles like this one lies in understanding and applying the BODMAS/BIDMAS rule.

But what exactly is BODMAS? Let’s break it down:

• Brackets (B) – Solve anything inside brackets first.
• Orders (O) – This refers to powers or square roots.
• Division and Multiplication (DM) – These operations should be done next, from left to right.
• Addition and Subtraction (AS) – Finally, perform addition and subtraction, again from left to right.

With this order in mind, let’s dive into the puzzle.

Now that we know the importance of BODMAS, we can apply it to our puzzle:

Puzzle: 11 – 11 × 11 + 11

Step 1: Identify the Operations

First, take a moment to look at the equation. You have a combination of subtraction, multiplication, and addition. Multiplication should always be completed before addition and subtraction, according to BODMAS.

Step 2: Perform the Multiplication

Next, multiply 11 by 11:

11 × 11 = 121

So now, your equation looks like this:

11 – 121 + 11

Step 3: Proceed With Subtraction and Addition

Following the BODMAS rule, once the multiplication is done, you’re left with subtraction and addition. Perform the subtraction first:

11 – 121 = -110

Now, add the remaining 11:

-110 + 11 = -99

Step 4: Confirm the Solution

The correct answer to the puzzle is -99.

The mistake most people make when attempting puzzles like this one is solving the equation from left to right without considering the proper sequence of operations. If you had done that here, you might have incorrectly started with subtraction, leading to a completely different—and wrong—result.

By applying the BODMAS rule, you ensure that multiplication is handled first, giving you the accurate result. This method prevents the common pitfall of sequential processing, which is why understanding the BODMAS rule is essential in solving math puzzles correctly.

Now that we’ve walked through the steps, try solving the puzzle on your own. Did you manage to get -99 as your answer on the first try, or did the sequence of operations throw you off? If you didn’t get it right the first time, don’t worry—you’re not alone. This type of puzzle is designed to challenge your mental math skills, and mistakes are part of the learning process.

If you enjoyed tackling this viral puzzle, keep challenging yourself with similar brain teasers. Each one you solve not only strengthens your problem-solving abilities but also boosts your confidence in handling more complex math problems down the line. So, what’s the takeaway? Keep the calculations coming, and don’t forget: BODMAS is your best friend when it comes to conquering math puzzles!