At first glance, the answer might seem obvious. Some people immediately choose 15, while others are convinced it’s 8.
So who’s actually correct?
Let’s solve it step by step.
The Expression
6 + 9 − 3 × 4 ÷ 2
Many people make the mistake of solving the equation from left to right. However, mathematics follows a standard order of operations.
The Rule
Remember this order:
- Parentheses
- Exponents
- Multiplication and Division (from left to right)
- Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)
Since there are no parentheses or exponents, we start with multiplication and division.
Step 1: Multiply
3 × 4 = 12
Now the expression becomes:
6 + 9 − 12 ÷ 2
Step 2: Divide
12 ÷ 2 = 6
Now we have:
6 + 9 − 6
Step 3: Add and Subtract
First:
6 + 9 = 15
Then:
15 − 6 = 9
✅ Correct Answer: 9
Neither 15 nor 8 is correct.
The correct answer is 9 because multiplication and division must be completed before addition and subtraction.
Why Do So Many People Get It Wrong?
Most incorrect answers happen because people ignore the order of operations.
For example:
- Solving strictly from left to right can lead to the wrong result.
- Some people subtract before multiplying, which changes the entire calculation.
These puzzles are designed to test whether you remember the basic rules of arithmetic—not just how fast you can calculate.
Final Answer
🎉 6 + 9 − 3 × 4 ÷ 2 = 9
Did you get 9 on your first try, or were you fooled by the order of operations? Share your answer in the comments and challenge a friend to see if they can solve it correctly!
