The Math Viral Trap: Why Everyone Is Failing This Simple Equation

A new math problem is going viral, and it’s specifically designed to catch people off guard. The equation—20 + 20 ÷ 2 – 6—looks like something from a primary school textbook, yet it is generating thousands of incorrect comments. The reason for the confusion? Most people forget the fundamental “Order of Operations” (PEMDAS/BODMAS), leading them to calculate the numbers in the wrong sequence. It’s a perfect example of how a small oversight in logic can lead to a completely different result.

The Solution: Why “c” Is the Secret Answer

To solve this correctly, you must follow the mathematical rules of priority: Division must be performed before Addition and Subtraction.

1. Divide First: $20 \div 2 = 10$

2. Add Next: $20 + 10 = 30$

3. Subtract Final: $30 – 6 = 24$

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Now, here is the “trick” in the multiple-choice options. You might notice that 24 isn’t listed as a plain number, but look at option c) 4!. In mathematics, the “!” symbol represents a factorial.

• $4! = 4 \times 3 \times 2 \times 1 = 24$

The Correct Answer is: c (4!)