A deceptively simple maths equation has sparked a fierce online debate, leaving thousands of social media users scratching their heads and arguing over the correct solution.
The Puzzle That Caused Chaos
The brainteaser was shared this week on X, formerly Twitter, by user @BholanathDutta. At first glance, the equation appears straightforward: 6 × 6 – 6 × 0! = ? Many people are tempted to solve it by working from left to right, but this approach is a classic trap that leads to the wrong answer.
The puzzle cleverly combines multiple operations, and solving it requires strict adherence to the fundamental rules of arithmetic. The symbols matter immensely, with subtraction and multiplication playing key roles. However, one particular operation—indicated by the exclamation mark—changes everything.
Breaking Down the Solution
If this puzzle brings back memories of school maths lessons, you are on the right track. The solution hinges on two critical mathematical principles: the order of operations and the definition of a factorial.
First, the hint: 0! (zero factorial) equals 1, not zero. This is a fundamental rule in mathematics that often trips people up.
Next, you must apply the correct order of operations. The golden rule in the UK and beyond is often remembered by the acronym PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction). This means multiplication and division take priority over addition and subtraction.
Applying PEMDAS to the puzzle:
- There are no parentheses or exponents to deal with first.
- We must perform the multiplications: 6 × 6 = 36 and 6 × 0! = 6 × 1 = 6.
- Finally, we perform the subtraction: 36 - 6 = 30.
Therefore, the correct answer is 30.
The Common Pitfall and Online Reaction
Many commenters on the original post incorrectly guessed 36. They fell into the trap of ignoring PEMDAS and simply calculating from left to right: (6 × 6 = 36), then (36 – 6 = 30), and finally (30 × 0 = 0). This misapplication of the rules, combined with misunderstanding the factorial, led them astray.
The viral post ignited a heated discussion, proving that even basic arithmetic can become contentious when the rules are forgotten. It served as a sharp reminder that in mathematics, procedure is just as important as the numbers themselves. Skipping the established rules is a surefire way to miss the mark, no matter how simple an equation may look.
