A Math Challenge That’s Baffling Everyone

Have you encountered a math puzzle that seems to be “meant for geniuses”? This seemingly simple problem has recently gained a lot of attention online, leaving many people stumped. Let’s dive into the challenge and see if you can solve it. We’ll walk you through the steps to find the answer!

The Puzzle: 3 x 3 – 3 ÷ 3 + 3

At first glance, this problem might appear easy, but solving it correctly requires precise use of the order of operations. Many have made common errors, leading to incorrect results.

Common Errors to Avoid

One common mistake is solving the equation from left to right. Here’s what happens if you do that:

3 x 3 = 9
9 – 3 = 6
6 ÷ 3 = 2
2 + 3 = 5
However, this method is incorrect because it does not follow the proper order of operations. So, how should we solve it?

The Correct Method: BIDMAS/PEMDAS

To solve this problem accurately, we need to follow BIDMAS (Brackets, Indices, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction) or the American version, PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction).

Here’s how to do it:

Start with multiplication and division:
3 x 3 = 9
3 ÷ 3 = 1
Replace these results in the equation:
9 – 1 + 3
Complete the addition and subtraction from left to right:
9 – 1 = 8
8 + 3 = 11
So, the correct answer is 11!

The Puzzle’s Popularity and Online Reactions

This tricky math problem has gone viral, leading to various discussions online. Many people were surprised by the challenge, with some posting incorrect answers and sparking debates about math skills and education. If you found it difficult, don’t worry—you’re not alone!

So, are you ready to solve it? Give it a try and see if you can be among those who figured it out.

Math puzzles like this are meant to stimulate our thinking and test our skills. Keep challenging yourself and don’t hesitate to seek help if needed. Enjoy solving the puzzle!