1. **State the problem:** Evaluate the expression $2 + 1 \times 2$ and verify if it equals any of the given numbers (5, 8, 12, 16, 21). 2. **Recall the order of operations:** Multiplication is performed before addition. 3. **Calculate the multiplication first:** $$1 \times 2 = 2$$ 4. **Add the result to 2:** $$2 + 2 = 4$$ 5. **Compare the result:** The expression evaluates to 4, which is not equal to 5 or any of the other numbers listed (8, 12, 16, 21). **Final answer:** The expression $2 + 1 \times 2$ equals $4$, not $5$ or any other number in the list.