Supposedly simple math sum leaves people confused - can you solve it in 30 seconds?

By LAUREN ACTON-TAYLOR, US NEWS REPORTER Published: 12:16, 7 June 2026 | Updated: 12:16, 7 June 2026 A simple math equation has baffled the internet once again - but can you solve it?  The problem was shared on social media by BreaktheSilos on X, an account devout to posting equations that spark debate among their followers.  The post simply read 'Simple Math,' before revealing the equation as 81 ÷ 9 + 7 x 4.  While many users guessed the answer to be 64, some declared the answer as 36 while other answers included 20 or 43.  Can you solve it in 30 seconds? Ready. Set. Go!  If you are struggling to remember where to begin, look to the rule of PEMDAS.  PEMDAS stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition and Subtraction. To solve a multi-step equation, it is important to follow the PEMDAS order.  This equation does not have parentheses or exponents, so the first operation is to solve multiplication.  This math equation has left internet users scratching their heads and arguing over the answer Starting with multiplication, as per the mathematical golden rule, the first step is to solve 7 x 4, which equals 28. The equation now becomes 81 ÷ 9 + 28. Next up is tackling division. 81 ÷ 9 = 9, so the problem has now become 9 + 28.  The last step in solving the problem is to add 9 and 28, which equals 37.  Were you one of the math wizzes to solve the problem in under 30 seconds? If yes, congratulations!  If not, don't worry, there are plenty of opportunities to sharpen up those math skills, and many social media users also made mistakes.  When solving multi-step math equations, just one arithmetic error can mess up the entire equation.  The correct answer is 37 which for those following the rule of PEMDAS easily solved Those who thought 64 was the answer forgot PEMDAS and solved the equation by beginning with 81 ÷ 9, equaling 9, and then adding together 9 + 7 before multiplying by 4.   If you made an error or are on a roll solving math equations, try this problem next, reserved only for geniuses.  No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.