Many people get this quick math puzzle wrong because they rush to calculate the numbers without following the standard order of operations. At first glance, some may guess 52, but that is not the correct answer. The expression looks simple, yet one important mathematical rule can easily be overlooked.

To solve an equation correctly, we use PEMDAS or BODMAS, which tells us the order in which different operations should be completed. Multiplication and division have the same priority, so when they appear together, they are solved from left to right. The same rule applies to addition and subtraction. So, how would you solve 7 × 6 ÷ 3 + 4?

Start with the multiplication because multiplication and division must be completed before addition. Seven multiplied by six equals 42, leaving us with 42 ÷ 3 + 4. Next, we solve the division from left to right. Dividing 42 by 3 gives us 14, reducing the expression to 14 + 4.

Finally, we add 14 and 4, which gives us 18. Therefore, the correct answer is 18, not 52. This puzzle is a good reminder that multiplication does not automatically come before division when they appear in the same expression. They have equal priority and must be handled from left to right, which is an easy rule to forget when solving a problem quickly.