Math riddle leaves internet divided: Adults, and students struggle with simple equation

Logical and mathematical puzzles, at first glance, often seem like mundane tasks that we should conquer easily. Nevertheless, the emotions escorting the process of solving them reveal the complexity, highlighting how effortless it is to commit errors.

Common types of mathematical riddles flourishing on the internet often relate to the order of operations. An example of such an enigma that has left the internet divided is a supposedly elementary equation. Expectedly, a fourth-grade student should have no trouble solving it; however, surprisingly, a significant number of individuals, including adults, struggle to determine the correct result.

9 : 3 (4 – 2) = ?

This mathematical conundrum has left internet users debating its correct solution. Some propose that the correct answer is 6, others suggest 1.5, 10, or even 0.9. However, the correct result – the indisputable one – stands to be 6.

So, the question arises: how was this solution derived, and why were there discrepancies? The wrong answers were most likely due to misunderstandings in the order of operations, which is essential to find the correct solution to the equation.

Merit lies in calculating the operation within the brackets first, then proceeding with multiplication or division, and finally, solving addition and subtraction in the order they occur in the equation. In this circumstance, the output from the parentheses is 2, leading to the operation:

9 : 3 * 2 = ?

Next, we must perform the division, which leads to 3.

3 * 2 = ?

Ultimately, all we are left with is a simple multiplication, the result of which is 6.