You come across a simple addition like “50 + 10 × 0 + 7 + 2” and you say to yourself: it’s simple, in the blink of an eye it’s done. However, behind this apparent ease hides a classic trap into which it is easy to fall… What if we told you that the answer is not 9 but 59? Surprising? So stay with us, we’ll explain everything to you!
The secret to not making mistakes: the BODMAS method
Before we start the calculations, a little reminder is in order. In maths, the order in which operations are performed is not left to chance. And to remember this, we have a very practical mnemonic device: BODMAS.
Here’s what it means:
B for Brackets → Brackets
O for Orders → Powers, Square Roots
D for Division
M for Multiplication
A for Addition
S for Subtraction
Clearly, we always start with what is in parentheses, then the powers if there are any, then division and multiplication, and finally, we end with addition and subtraction. Important: Multiplication and division have the same priority – they are done in order from left to right, just like addition and subtraction.
The expression to solve: 50 + 10 × 0 + 7 + 2
No parentheses or powers here, so let’s go straight to multiplication:
10 × 0 = 0
The expression then becomes:
50 + 0 + 7 + 2
We continue with the addition, from left to right:
50 + 0 = 50
50 + 7 = 57
57 + 2 = 59
Final Score: 59
What many do… erroneously
Did you get 9? Don’t worry, you’re far from being the only one! This is a common mistake, often due to a mental reflex: we read from left to right and add up too quickly without thinking about priorities. Except that it goes against the BODMAS logic, and that’s where mistakes come in.
The visual trick to never make a mistake again
Imagine a pyramid:
Top Line: Multiplication and Division
Bottom: Addition and Subtraction
The priority is always at the top. If a multiplication crosses the path of an addition, the multiplication goes first, regardless of its place in the line. This little mental diagram is very simple but very effective!
Why it’s useful in everyday life
It’s not just to shine in math class or to help kids with homework. Understanding and applying the BODMAS method also means refining your logic, developing structured reasoning, and avoiding falling into the traps of logic games or puzzles that we often see on social networks.
And frankly, it’s always nice to find the right answer and understand the reasoning behind it.
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