Simple grade school math problem leaves people dumbfounded - can you get the correct answer in 30 seconds?

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By JACK TOLEDO

Published: 14:53 EST, 25 December 2025 | Updated: 14:53 EST, 25 December 2025

An elementary math problem has divided the internet after an easy-looking equation turned out to be anything but simple.

Many X users were stumped by the problem 16 ÷ 4 X 4 - 4, posted by @BholanathaDutta this week.

Theseemingly simple-looking sum duped those who had not remembered a golden rule taught in algebra class.

The six-letter acronym PEMDAS, which stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, and Subtraction, is the key to getting to the right answer.

The acronym is also remembered by using the phrase ‘Please, Excuse, My, Dear, Aunt, Sally’ to remind students of the starting letters within the abbreviation.

Numbers inside parentheses (P) should be sorted out first. Secondly, exponents (E) should be worked out next.

After it should be multiplication and division (MD), but multiplication does not necessarily have to come before division. The correct method is to address them from left to right as they are written in the equation.

Finally, addition and subtraction (AS). When only those two operations remain, the sum can be solved from left to right because the order makes no difference.

Now, using PEMDAS, set your timer to 30 seconds and try solving the equation.

Try to solve the equation that has users on X spilt over the answer. Applying PEMDAS is the key to getting the correct answer

Having trouble? Remember the acronym, and don’t just solve the equation from left to right.

Here is a hint: start with the division aspect of the problem first. After that, you figured out your equation should look something like this: 4 X 4 - 4

Now try to figure out the next step and don’t forget to, ‘Please, Excuse, My, Dear, Aunt, Sally.’

Still haven’t got it, no worries, you were not alone. The next step would be to multiply on the left-hand side of the equation.

Solving the 4 X 4 side of the problem will leave you with: 16 - 4.

Finishing up the final operation gives you the correct answer... 12.

Were you able to crack the case in less than 30 seconds?

If you used PEMDAS correctly then 12 should be your final answer

Many were not. One user wrote: -3

Another said: 0

A third answered: 14

So if you are feeling like a math genius right now, why not try another challenge?

This one may be a little more difficult; there’s not even a time constraint because you may not solve it at all. The equation is 3 X 3 - 3 ÷ 3 + 3.

Think you got it? Check here for the steps to the correct answer.