A simple-looking math problem has been causing plenty of debate online, with people arriving at different answers depending on how they approach the calculation. The expression may seem easy at first, but the trick is remembering the correct order of operations instead of simply working from left to right.

Using the standard PEMDAS/BODMAS rules, multiplication is performed before subtraction. These rules provide a consistent way to evaluate mathematical expressions and prevent different people from getting different results simply because they calculated the steps in a different order.

For this problem, the first step is to calculate 6 × 6, which gives 36. After completing the multiplication, the expression becomes 6 − 36. There are no additional multiplication, division, or parentheses to deal with, so the remaining calculation is straightforward.

Now subtract 36 from 6: 6 − 36 = −30. Therefore, if the expression shown in the puzzle is exactly as described, the answer is −30. Someone who calculates strictly from left to right without applying the order of operations could easily reach a different result.

These puzzles are a good reminder that even basic arithmetic can be surprisingly tricky when the rules are overlooked. Before choosing an answer, slow down, identify the operations involved, and apply the correct sequence. Did you get −30 on your first attempt, or did the puzzle catch you off guard?