🔢 The Challenge:
11 − 11 × 11 + 11 = ?
✅ Step 1: Follow the Order of Operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS)
To solve this correctly, remember:
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Parentheses first
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Exponents (ie. powers and square roots, etc.)
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MD Multiplication and Division (from left to right)
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AS Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)
There are no parentheses or exponents in this expression, so:
We begin with multiplication.
✍️ Step 2: Calculate
11 − 11 × 11 + 11
→ First, solve the multiplication:
11 × 11 = 121
Now plug that back into the expression:
11 − 121 + 11
Now go left to right:
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First:
11 − 121 = -110 -
Then:
-110 + 11 = -99
🎯 Final Answer:
✅ -99
🧠 Why This Puzzle Tricks People
Many people instinctively solve from left to right without applying the proper order of operations, leading to a wrong answer like:
(11 − 11) × (11 + 11) = 0 × 22 = 0
…which is not what the original expression says.
This is where these “Only for Genius” challenges get you. They’re testing not just your math skills, but your attention to rules and detail. It’s a fun way to engage your logical brain — and a reminder that basic math can still stump us when we’re not careful.
🧮 Let’s Break Down the Learning:
1. Order of Operations is Everything
This example proves how crucial it is to respect math hierarchy. If you go from left to right blindly, you’ll mess up. Even the smartest minds slip up when they ignore the fundamentals.
2. Mental Math Practice
Challenges like this are great for keeping your mental math sharp. Working with small numbers, but requiring careful sequencing, they train your brain to stay sharp.
3. Trick Questions Aren’t Always Complex
There’s nothing “advanced” about this problem — it’s just sneaky. It’s a good reminder that math mastery isn’t about complex formulas but solid thinking.
4. Teachable Moments
This problem is a great one for classrooms and family settings. It sparks discussion, debate, and laughter — especially when everyone blurts out different answers before realizing what went wrong.
🤓 Fun Fact:
This kind of math puzzle is often used in aptitude tests and brain teasers to measure how well someone follows instructions or thinks logically under pressure. They’re also viral online because of how confidently people get them wrong!
👨🏫 Tips to Avoid Mistakes in the Future:
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Underline or mentally emphasize operations as you go.
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Always look for multiplication or division before jumping into subtraction or addition.
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If unsure, write each step out rather than trying to do it all at once in your head.
📌 In Summary
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Problem: 11 − 11 × 11 + 11
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Step 1: Do the multiplication → 11 × 11 = 121
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Step 2: Plug it back in → 11 − 121 + 11
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Step 3: Subtract and add from left to right → -99
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✅ Final Answer: -99
This wasn’t about genius-level math. It was about staying sharp, focused, and logical. And now you know — the next time you see a challenge like this, you’ll be the genius who gets it right.
