Solve $6 – 6 \times 6$: The Order of Operations Math Riddle Explained
Math riddles and basic order of operations teasers constantly trend on social media platforms, sparking lively debates in comment sections.
In this viral handwritten math puzzle, the graphic presents a single arithmetic expression with a bold warning above it:
Answer is NOT 36!
$$6 – 6 \times 6$$
While the prompt warns that $36$ is incorrect, many solvers still get confused about why numbers like $0$ or $36$ pop up so frequently, and what the true answer actually is.
Below, we break down the fundamental order of operations rules, show how common mistakes happen, and provide the exact step-by-step mathematical solution.
The Order of Operations: PEMDAS / BODMAS
To solve multi-operation math expressions correctly, mathematicians worldwide follow a standardized hierarchy known by acronyms like PEMDAS or BODMAS:
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P / B: Parentheses / Brackets
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E / O: Exponents / Orders
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MD / DM: Multiplication and Division (left to right)
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AS: Addition and Subtraction (left to right)
According to these rules, multiplication must always be performed before subtraction, regardless of the physical order in which the numbers are written from left to right.
Step-by-Step Mathematical Solution
Let’s evaluate the expression $6 – 6 \times 6$ step by step:
Step 1: Perform Multiplication First
Identify the multiplication operation:
Now substitute $36$ back into the original equation:
Step 2: Perform Subtraction
Subtract $36$ from $6$:
The Correct Answer is $-30$.
Why Do People Get It Wrong?
The confusion behind this viral math riddle usually comes down to two common cognitive traps:
| Misconception | Incorrect Calculation | Why It Happens |
| Left-to-Right Blindness | $(6 – 6) \times 6 = 0 \times 6 = 0$ | Solvers evaluate strictly left-to-right, ignoring operator precedence. |
| Sign Dropping / Absolute Value | $6 \times 6 = 36$, then ignoring the negative sign | Solvers drop the leading subtraction sign and treat the result as positive $36$. |
| Correct Method (PEMDAS) | $6 – (6 \times 6) = 6 – 36 = \mathbf{-30}$ | Follows standard mathematical rules by multiplying first, then subtracting. |
Conclusion
While visual graphics with bold warnings like “Answer is NOT 36!” are designed to trick fast scrollers into guessing $0$, sticking to standard math rules makes it simple! Following PEMDAS/BODMAS yields the true answer: $-30$.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does PEMDAS stand for?
PEMDAS stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, and Subtraction—the standard mnemonic used to remember the order of operations.
Is subtraction performed before multiplication if it comes first in the sentence?
No! Multiplication and division always take precedence over addition and subtraction, unless parentheses explicitly group the addition or subtraction first.
