Viral math teasers routinely go viral on social media platforms, drawing thousands of comments from users debating the correct answer. While these equations often look tricky at first glance, solving them accurately comes down to sticking strictly to standard mathematical rules: the Order of Operations (PEMDAS / BODMAS).
In this quick math breakdown, we explain step-by-step how to solve $6 – 3 \times 5 + 4$, clarify why common mistakes happen, and review basic math conventions.
Step-by-Step Solution
To solve the expression $6 – 3 \times 5 + 4$, apply the standard Order of Operations rule:
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Parentheses / Brackets: None.
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Exponents / Orders: None.
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Multiplication and Division (from left to right):
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First, carry out the multiplication: $3 \times 5 = 15$.
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Substitute this value back into the expression:
$$6 – 15 + 4$$
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Addition and Subtraction (from left to right):
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Work strictly from left to right. First, perform the subtraction:
$$6 – 15 = -9$$ -
Next, complete the addition:
$$-9 + 4 = -5$$
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Correct Final Answer: -5
Why Do Many People Get This Wrong?
Viral math problems trigger widespread debate because people often fall into two common traps:
1. Working Straight Left to Right
Ignoring operator precedence and calculating strictly from left to right yields:
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$6 – 3 = 3$
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$3 \times 5 = 15$
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$15 + 4 = 19$ (Incorrect)
2. Misunderstanding Addition Before Subtraction
Some misinterpret the “A” before “S” in PEMDAS to mean all addition must happen before any subtraction, regardless of left-to-right positioning:
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Adding $15 + 4 = 19$ first, then calculating $6 – 19 = -13$ (Incorrect).
Under standard conventions, Addition and Subtraction hold equal priority and must be evaluated sequentially from left to right.
The Order of Operations Explained
To avoid future math pitfalls online, keep the PEMDAS/BODMAS sequence in mind:
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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 (equal precedence, left-to-right)
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AS: Addition and Subtraction (equal precedence, left-to-right)
Conclusion
Understanding fundamental arithmetic rules makes solving internet math puzzles effortless! By applying multiplication first and evaluating addition and subtraction from left to right, the correct answer to $6 – 3 \times 5 + 4$ is -5.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the correct order of operations in math?
The standard order is Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (left to right), and Addition and Subtraction (left to right).
Does addition always come before subtraction?
No. Addition and Subtraction have equal priority. When both appear in an equation, you perform them in order from left to right.
Why is Elon Musk in the image holding a sign?
The image features an artificially edited template using Elon Musk’s likeness to increase engagement and viral reach on social media feeds.
