Ever find yourself stumped by a seemingly simple math problem? You’re not alone! An impressive 85% of folks can’t solve this particular puzzle in just 60 seconds. Let’s dive in and see if we can crack it together.

Here’s the problem for you to solve: What is the answer to this equation? 5 + 3 x 2 – 1

Take a moment to think about it. Many people quickly jump to one conclusion without following the proper steps needed to arrive at the correct answer. The trick here is to remember the order of operations, often abbreviated as PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)).

Following PEMDAS, we first handle any operations inside parentheses – but there are none here. Next, we look for exponents – and again, we don’t have any. Now, we move on to multiplication and division, before finally tackling addition and subtraction.

In our problem: 5 + 3 x 2 – 1

We first perform the multiplication:

3 x 2 = 6

Now, our equation reads:

5 + 6 – 1

Next, we handle addition and subtraction from left to right:

5 + 6 = 11

and finally:

11 – 1 = 10

So, the correct answer is: 10!

This exercise illustrates the importance of a methodical and organized approach when dealing with mathematical calculations. Rushing through without following the proper steps can lead to mistakes and wrong answers. Remember, it’s not just about speed but accuracy as well!

Next time you encounter a math problem, take a breath and recall the order of operations. It makes all the difference!

Keep practicing and soon these problems will seem like a breeze. Happy solving!