Mathematician Explains Correct Answer To Viral Math Problem

You’re bored, and you decide to

You’re bored, and you decide to search for math problems to solve only to find yourself at your wit’s end trying to figure out how to solve this tricky problem.

This math problem is not new. You may have seen it a couple of times on social media. And once every two or three years, it goes viral again to test both kids and adults in solving this grade school math problem.

This equation was already shared millions of times on Facebook and has taken people’s time in solving this tricky problem.

6÷2 (1+2)

It may look tricky because of the different answers that we are getting, but this is more of a simple math problem that only gets confusing because of how you solve it.

YouTube channel MindYourDecision posted how it’s actually very easy to solve this problem. According to the video’s description:

“I explain how to get the correct answer by using the modern interpretation of the order of operations. I also explain how you would get a different answer under historical usage of the division symbol.”

Before we can solve this math problem, we need to refresh our memory about the PEMDAS rule and the order of operations.

(If the same precedence, then solve left to right)

Now that that is clear, here’s how you solve the problem.

6÷2 (1+2) = 9, and here’s why
The answer to the math problem 6÷2 (1+2) is 9!

How did we get this answer? Here’s the breakdown.

Keeping PEMDAS in mind, the math problem should look like this:

6÷2× (1+2)

Now, P stands for parentheses, so the first thing that you would do is 1 + 2 = 3, hence:

6÷2× (3) or 6÷2× (3)

Again, with the PEMDAS rule, multiplication and division have the same priority, so we should evaluate this from left to right.

6÷2 = 3 then 3 x 3 = 9

Now, MindYourDecisions also tried another order of operations from the old textbook about the historical usage of 1917.

Here’s how some people solved the problem:

Using the order of operations, the one in the parenthesis comes first, so

6÷2 (1+2) = 6÷2 (3)

Then, you multiply 2 and 3 to get 6 which makes it 6÷6 = 1.

While there is a valid justification for the old computation, the correct answer would still be 9 since this is how we would interpret the equation today.

Come to think of it, answering these types of tricky math problems are a great way to spend your free time. Plus, you are also developing strategic solving skills.

Did you get the correct answer to this math problem the first time?

for math problems to solve only to find yourself at your wit’s end trying to figure out how to solve this tricky problem.

This math problem is not new. You may have seen it a couple of times on social media. And once every two or three years, it goes viral again to test both kids and adults in solving this grade school math problem.

This equation was already shared millions of times on Facebook and has taken people’s time in solving this tricky problem.

Related Posts

Everyone’s noticing the same thing about Kate Middleton’s latest outfit

Kate Middleton, the beloved Princess of Wales, revealed in January 2025 that she was in remission. Since her cancer prevented her from performing her royal duties, now…

Husband Rushes Wife to ER — Then Drops a Shocking Confession

I’m Dr. Green, and I’ve worked night shifts in the ER for over a decade. But nothing prepared me for the night Jerry rushed in, carrying his…

A Strange Note in a Lunch Bag Changed Everything—Now I Keep Coming Back

It started on a walk to the library when I noticed a folding table offering “FREE LUNCH FOR ANYONE WHO NEEDS.” I ignored it at first. But…

My Parents Missed My Wedding Because of My Sister’s Dog — Should I Feel Hurt?

My name’s Thomas, and I’ve always felt like my parents favored my older sister, Emily. They constantly canceled plans with me, missed important events like my graduation…

When My Husband Refused to Help Buy a Gift for My Mom, I Showed Him Why It Matters

Chelsea’s world fell apart when her husband Kyle refused to give her money to buy a gift for her mom. What began as small cracks grew into…

My Mother-in-Law Ruined My Daughter’s Pageant Dress Because She’s Not Her Biological Grandchild

Sometimes, the people who are supposed to love us most turn out to be the cruelest. On the morning of my daughter Sophie’s school pageant, her dress…