Math puzzles have a way of challenging us in unexpected ways. What may seem like a simple problem at first glance often turns out to be more complicated than we think. Today, we’re diving into one such challenge that has middle school math teachers smiling while many adults scratch their heads. Ready to give it a go?
The challenge we’ll explore today is one of those fun brain teasers that tests whether you remember the order of operations. It’s a refreshing reminder of how simple principles can create surprisingly complex puzzles.
To crack this problem, we need to rely on the order of operations, a fundamental principle in math. You might remember this from your school days as PEMDAS. This means that multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction, unless parentheses indicate otherwise. In our case, no parentheses are present, so we proceed straight to multiplication before addition and subtraction
Here’s how we solve it:
3 + 3 x 3 – 3 + 3
Start with the multiplication:
- 3 x 3 = 9
Now, substitute that back into the equation:
- 3 + 9 – 3 + 3
Next, move from left to right, completing addition and subtraction:
- 3 + 9 = 12
- 12 – 3 = 9
- 9 + 3 = 12
The correct answer is 12.
Why Do People Get This Wrong?
So, why is it that so many people arrive at the wrong answer? It all comes down to how our brains process the problem. When faced with a math equation, many people instinctively solve it from left to right, ignoring the order of operations. This common mistake can easily lead someone to the wrong conclusion.
For instance, if you add and subtract everything first, you might end up with:
3 + 3 = 6
6 x 3 = 18
18 – 3 = 15
Which is incorrect! This faulty approach can lead you to believe the answer is 15 (Option C), when in fact, it’s 12 (Option B).
This math puzzle is a great example of why middle school math concepts remain relevant well into adulthood. Remembering these rules not only helps us solve simple arithmetic problems, but also reinforces logical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Now, how did you do? Did you pick the correct answer, or did this puzzle throw you off? Either way, I encourage you to keep challenging yourself with math puzzles—they’re a fun and engaging way to keep your mind sharp!
