The trick isn’t difficult math — it’s the order of operations.

When people rush through the equation mentally, they often subtract before multiplying, which leads to the wrong answer.

But mathematics follows strict rules that determine exactly which operations happen first.

These rules are known as:

PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction)
or BODMAS in some countries

Following those rules carefully reveals the real answer.

Step-by-Step Solution

We start with: 7−2(8−4)

Step 1: Solve Inside the Parentheses

First calculate: 8−4=4

Now the equation becomes: 7−2(4)