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11 – 11 × 11 + 11. At first glance, this calculation looks like a children's riddle. But in reality, it seriously tests our mathematical logic, which has been well-established since school. This kind of puzzle captivates as much as it disconcerts: because no, it's not simply an addition and a subtraction... The key is to remember the order of operations. So, ready to take on the challenge without cheating? Come on, get out your brain, not your calculator!
Why does this calculation trap so many people?
When we quickly read an operation like 11 – 11 × 11 + 11, our brain tends to read from left to right, solving each step in the order in which it appears. This is a common mistake! This reflex often causes us to miss an essential rule in mathematics: multiplications are always done before additions and subtractions, unless parentheses modify the order.
That's what makes this kind of challenge so interesting. It's not about being a "math genius," but simply about remembering the correct method. A welcome refresher—and a rather fun one!
The order of operations, this discreet hero of our daily lives
Remember: from middle school onwards, we learn the famous rule of priority of operations. It has different names depending on the country (PEMDAS, BODMAS, etc.), but the principle remains the same:
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