Peruvian publication El Comercio challenged readers on Thursday to solve the combined mathematical operation 96 divided by 18 minus 6 plus 14 times 3 in 11 seconds.
Writer Marcelo López Chavez presented the viral math puzzle for the outlet's MAG section, warning that while the problem looks simple, the countdown timer creates immediate pressure while the combination of arithmetic operations easily misleads solvers.
López Chavez noted that participants risk failing on their first try if they lose focus or fail to reason quickly. He pointed out that solvers with strong analytical skills previously completed a related speed calculation, 18 plus 96 divided by 6 squared minus 10, within a 9-second limit.
Order of operations method
López Chavez stated that finding the correct result for any multi-step equation requires following the fundamental mathematical acronym PEMDAS.
In standard mathematics, PEMDAS governs the order of operations, standing for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, and Subtraction. Under this universal rule, operations inside grouping symbols must be evaluated first, followed by exponential calculations, then multiplication and division from left to right, and finally addition and subtraction from left to right.
To solve the featured equation of 96 divided by 18 minus 6 plus 14 times 3, López Chavez explained that solvers must first execute the subtraction inside the parentheses, calculating 18 minus 6 to get 12.
With the equation simplified to 96 divided by 12 plus 14 times 3, the next step requires evaluating division and multiplication before addition. Dividing 96 by 12 yields 8, while multiplying 14 by 3 produces 42.
Adding the two remaining values, 8 plus 42, produces the final correct answer of 50.
Purpose and participant guidance
López Chavez stated that while the challenge encourages rapid reasoning, its primary objective is to entertain readers and keep cognitive faculties active during free time.
He suggested that readers invite friends or family members to attempt the puzzle together in a competitive format to test who can calculate the correct answer fastest.
For those who failed on their initial attempt, López Chavez advised against doubting one's mathematical abilities, noting that initial errors provide a valuable learning opportunity for future puzzles.
López Chavez holds a journalism degree from Universidad Jaime Bausate y Meza and has two years of experience in digital media, working as a real-time writer for MAG.
El Comercio is a major daily newspaper headquartered in Pueblo Libre, Lima, Peru, which maintains the MAG section to cover viral features, logic riddles, and lifestyle topics.
Next steps for readers
López Chavez encouraged readers seeking to improve their mental agility to access further numerical puzzles published by the outlet.
He added that engaging regularly with logic exercises offers a practical way to maintain mental sharpness while making enjoyable use of spare moments.
