Mathematical puzzles have always been a fun way to challenge our minds, and one equation that’s recently gone viral is this deceptively simple one:
9/3 + 9(9 – 3) = ?

At first glance, it seems easy, but many have been tripped up by it due to the rules of arithmetic.

To solve it correctly, you need to follow PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction). Ignoring this order can lead to wildly incorrect answers.

Step 1: Start with the parentheses:
9 – 3 = 6.
Now the equation is:
9/3 + 9(6)

Step 2: Division comes before multiplication, so solve 9/3 = 3.
Now the equation is:
3 + 9(6)

Step 3: Next, do the multiplication: 9 × 6 = 54.
The equation becomes:
3 + 54

Step 4: Finally, add 3 + 54 to get:
57

The correct answer is 57, but many people make the mistake of ignoring the order of operations, rushing to add or multiply in the wrong sequence.

This puzzle shows how easy it is to slip up when we don’t follow a logical process. So, next time, slow down and follow the steps carefully.

If you enjoyed this, why not try more puzzles? Math isn’t just about numbers; it’s about sharpening your thinking and problem-solving skills. You might just surprise yourself!