At first glance, this math puzzle looks incredibly simple, especially with the statement “Answer is NOT 25” placed above the expression. That wording might make you think there is a hidden trick, but the key is to slow down and follow the standard order of operations. The expression is 15 × 3 + 15 ÷ 3, and multiplication and division must be completed before addition.

Start by solving each multiplication and division operation separately. First, 15 × 3 = 45. Then, 15 ÷ 3 = 5. Once those calculations are complete, the expression becomes 45 + 5, which gives a final result of 50. Therefore, the correct answer is 50, not 25.

So why might someone answer 25? A common mistake is trying to calculate the expression from left to right without considering the order of operations. Others may assume that the wording indicates a complicated trick or try to combine the two 15s before handling the multiplication and division. However, the mathematical symbols are important, and there is nothing that tells us to add the 15s first.

There is also an important rule when multiplication and division appear in the same expression: they have equal priority and are generally solved from left to right. In this case, that gives 15 × 3 = 45, followed by 15 ÷ 3 = 5, and finally 45 + 5 = 50. So if you chose 50, you followed the correct mathematical rules. The puzzle is simply testing whether you pay attention to the symbols instead of rushing to an answer.