How old is Emily? The question sounds easy, but the answer depends on whether you remember the standard rules for solving mathematical expressions. Emily gives her age as 80 − 40 ÷ 10 × 4, turning a simple question into a quick test of mathematical reasoning.

To solve the expression correctly, we follow the standard order of operations, often remembered as PEMDAS or BODMAS. Division and multiplication are performed before subtraction, and when division and multiplication appear together, they are evaluated from left to right.

Start with 40 ÷ 10, which equals 4. The expression then becomes 80 − 4 × 4. Next, multiplication takes priority over subtraction, so 4 × 4 = 16. That leaves 80 − 16.

Finally, subtract 16 from 80, giving 64. According to the mathematical expression Emily provided, her age is therefore 64 years old.

The puzzle can be confusing because some people may calculate the numbers strictly from left to right, starting with 80 − 40. However, that approach does not follow the standard order of operations. Once the rules are applied correctly, the answer is clear: Emily is 64.