There’s a simple math problem making the rounds that seems straightforward but has been causing confusion due to its deceptively tricky nature. This challenge highlights how our mental arithmetic can easily lead us astray. Let’s give it a try:

Start with 1000,

add 40,

then add another 1000,

add 30,

followed by adding another 1000,

add 20,

add a final 1000,

and conclude with adding 10.

Have you arrived at an answer? Feel free to share it. As you continue reading, we’ll reveal both the answer and the calculation breakdown.

If you thought the result was 5,000, you’re certainly not alone, though, unfortunately, that’s not the correct answer.

The right result is actually 4,100.

Here’s the reasoning: Adding 1,000 plus 40 gives you 1,040. Add 1,000 to that and you get 2,040. Adding 30 makes it 2,070. With another 1,000, it becomes 3,070. Add 20 to reach 3,090, and then another 1,000 increases it to 4,090. It’s at this point where many people stumble, often mistakenly adding 10 to make it 5,000. However, the correct final sum, with that last 10 added, is actually 4,100.