To solve this correctly, we must follow the standard Order of Operations (often referred to as PEMDAS or BODMAS), which dictates the sequence in which mathematical operations should be performed.

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The Equation:

$$15 – 3 \times 4 + 6 = ?$$

Step-by-Step Breakdown:

1. Multiplication first

According to the rules, multiplication must be done before addition or subtraction.

$$3 \times 4 = 12$$

Now, substitute that back into the equation:

$$15 – 12 + 6$$

2. Subtraction and Addition (Left to Right)

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When you are left with only addition and subtraction, you simply perform them in the order they appear from left to right.

• First, the subtraction:$$15 – 12 = 3$$
• Then, the final addition:$$3 + 6 = 9$$

Can you solve this calculation without rushing? 15 – 3 × 4 + 6 = ?

To solve this correctly, we must follow the standard Order of Operations (often referred to as PEMDAS or BODMAS), which dictates the sequence in which  mathematical operations should be

The Equation:

$$15 – 3 \times 4 + 6 = ?$$

Step-by-Step Breakdown:

1. Multiplication first

According to the rules, multiplication must be done before addition or subtraction.

$$3 \times 4 = 12$$

Now, substitute that back into the equation:

$$15 – 12 + 6$$

2. Subtraction and Addition (Left to Right)

When you are left with only addition and subtraction, you simply perform them in the order they appear from left to right.

• First, the subtraction:$$15 – 12 = 3$$
• Then, the final addition:$$3 + 6 = 9$$

Final Result:

9

Why people often get this wrong:

If you “rush” and go strictly from left to right without following the order of operations, you might do $15 – 3 = 12$, then $12 \times 4 = 48$, and $48 + 6 = 54$. However, in mathematics, multiplication always takes priority over basic addition and subtraction!