have the same priority and are evaluated from left to right.
Let’s Solve the Puzzle
Start with:
7 × 7 ÷ 7 − 7 + 7
First, perform the multiplication:
7 × 7 = 49
The expression becomes:
49 ÷ 7 − 7 + 7
Now perform the division:
49 ÷ 7 = 7
So we have:
7 − 7 + 7
Next, work from left to right with subtraction and addition:
7 − 7 = 0
Then:
0 + 7 = 7
The Correct Answer Is: 7
That’s the part that makes this puzzle interesting. The source article states 55, but its worked solution changes the original expression into 49 − 1 + 7, which does not follow from the displayed equation 7 × 7 ÷ 7 − 7 + 7.
For the equation as displayed, the mathematically consistent answer is 7.
Why People Get These Puzzles Wrong
The biggest mistake is usually not a lack of mathematical ability. It is performing the operations in an incorrect order.
For example, someone might
