Think you’re good at math? Here’s a quick challenge that looks simple—but it’s easy to get the wrong answer if you don’t follow the correct order of operations.

The Challenge

11 − 11 × 11 + 11 = ?

Take a moment and solve it before looking at the answer.

Many people instinctively work from left to right, but that’s not how mathematical expressions are normally evaluated.

The Secret: Order of Operations

When an equation contains addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, you need to follow the standard order of operations.

Multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction.

So we start with:

11 × 11 = 121

Now replace that part of the equation:

11 − 121 + 11

Next, work from left to right:

11 − 121 = −110

Then:

−110 + 11 = −99

🎯 The Answer Is: −99

So the correct answer is:

−99

If you got −99, congratulations—you followed the correct order of operations! 🧠👏

If you got a different answer, don’t worry. The trick is that the multiplication must be completed before the subtraction and addition.

Why Do People Get It Wrong?

If someone simply calculates from left to right:

11 − 11 = 0
0 × 11 = 0
0 + 11 = 11

they might get 11.

But that approach ignores the standard order of operations.

Can Your Friends Solve It?

Send them the equation without revealing the answer:

11 − 11 × 11 + 11 = ?

Give them a few seconds to think.

Then ask:

Did you get −99 or something else? 🤔

👇 Share your answer in the comments and challenge someone who thinks they’re a math genius!

This is a simple math puzzle based on the standard order of operations.