Twelve times two plus sixteen minus seven - do you know the answer?

Question

This was a question on a television quiz call in show last night - they said you must add all the numbers - after two hours and thirty minutes there was no winner - but the answer was NOT GIVEN!
I thought the answer was 33 - what do you know?
The correct answer I hope!

Answer 1

There are different answers depending on how you read the question and insert brackets.

1) (12 x 2) + 16 - 7 = 33

2) 12 x (2 +16) - 7 = 209

3) 12 x (2 + 16 - 7) = 132

I think that's it - the correct answer would depend very much on the pauses as the question was asked.

If there were some added information, such as 'the answer is not divisible by 3 or 11' or 'the answer is an even number' or 'is less than 100' one could identify the 'correct' answer.

Answer 2

It's a crafty way with words that makes everyone give the answer 33. That way they make millions on telephone premium charges. Now consider this:-

12 x 2 + 16 - 7

This is the way it's said. You think:-
12 x2 = 24. Add 16 = 40, deduct 7 = 33

What if it's:-

12 x (2+16) - 7

Then you get

12 x 18 - 7 = 216 - 7 = 209

Or
12 x (2 + 16 -7) = 12 x 11 = 132

So you can see that by clever manipulation you can get a variety of answers. The quiz show will have all permutations and wait until they are all exhausted then let the last one win. That way they generate more income. My advice is don't phone because they are ripping you off and all the other thousands who ring in.

Answer 3

2 x 12 =24+16=40- 7=33 . Yep its 33

Answer 4

33

Answer 5

33

Answer 6

33

Answer 7

33

Answer 8

33

Answer 9

33

Answer 10

33

Answer 11

33