Are you ready to test your math skills? In a world filled with brain games like crosswords and sudoku, classic math puzzles are making a strong comeback. These problems take us back to our school days and are a great way to sharpen our minds. Today, we’re diving into one such problem that’s been circulating online, leaving many people stumped. Let’s see if you can solve this tricky math problem without using a calculator.

You might think this is an easy task meant for middle schoolers, but don’t be fooled! These types of problems are designed to make you pause, think, and reconsider your approach. The puzzle is simple in its layout but tricky enough that many adults, long removed from their school days, often get it wrong.

At first glance, it looks like a basic arithmetic problem. But the real question is, do you remember how to apply the correct order of operations? Before jumping to a solution, take your time and think through each step.

Many people will rush into solving this problem from left to right, just as they would when reading a sentence. However, math doesn’t follow the same rules as reading. The order in which you solve parts of an equation matters, and that’s where most people get tripped up.

If you solve the problem from left to right without considering the rules of mathematics, you might end up with an incorrect answer. So, what’s the trick to getting this right? It all comes down to remembering the order of operations.

The key to solving this problem lies in understanding the PEMDAS rule. PEMDAS stands for:

• Parentheses
• Exponents
• Multiplication
• Division
• Addition
• Subtraction

This rule tells you the order in which you should solve each part of the equation. Multiplication and division always come before addition and subtraction. That’s the reason so many people get this problem wrong—they forget that multiplication takes precedence over addition and subtraction.

Let’s break it down, step by step.

The equation is:

3 + 3 x 3 – 3 + 3

Step 1: Start by solving the multiplication first, as per the order of operations.

3 x 3 = 9

Now the equation becomes:

3 + 9 – 3 + 3

Step 2: Next, work through the remaining operations from left to right, since all that’s left are addition and subtraction.

3 + 9 = 12
12 – 3 = 9
9 + 3 = 12

So, the correct answer is 12.

The reason 12 is the correct answer lies entirely in how we apply the order of operations. By solving the multiplication first, we ensure that the math is done in the correct sequence. If you were to solve the problem straight from left to right, you’d likely come up with a different (and incorrect) answer. But following PEMDAS ensures accuracy.

So, did you solve the problem correctly? If you arrived at 12, congratulations! You applied the order of operations just as you should have. If not, don’t worry—now you know the trick. The next time you’re faced with a similar problem, remember to follow PEMDAS and take your time.

Math puzzles like this one aren’t just about getting the right answer; they’re about training your brain to think critically and solve problems efficiently. By tackling more challenges like this, you’ll improve your math skills and boost your cognitive abilities along the way.