Have you ever come across a math problem that seems easy at first glance, only to realize that most people get it wrong? The equation 9 – 9 ÷ 9 + 9 – 9 ÷ 9 = ? is one such puzzle that confuses many. It looks simple, but if you’re not careful, you might end up with the wrong answer.
Are you ready to put your math skills to the test? Take a moment to solve it before reading ahead. Think you got it right? Let’s find out!
Why Do So Many People Get This Wrong?
At first glance, this equation appears straightforward. However, small details in mathematical rules trip people up. Here are some common mistakes that lead to the wrong answer:
- Ignoring the Order of Operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS) – Many people solve the problem from left to right without following the correct order of operations.
- Misplacing Parentheses (Even When They Aren’t Written) – Some assume parentheses where there are none, changing how they approach division and subtraction.
- Rushing Through the Calculation – The problem is designed to look easy, so people tend to solve it quickly and overlook critical steps.
So, what’s the correct approach? Let’s break it down step by step.
Step-by-Step Solution
To solve this equation correctly, we must follow the order of operations. The most commonly used rule is PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)).
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The given equation:
9 – 9 ÷ 9 + 9 – 9 ÷ 9
Step 1: Solve the Division First
According to PEMDAS, division comes before subtraction and addition. So, let’s divide first:
- 9÷9=19 ÷ 9 = 19÷9=1
- 9÷9=19 ÷ 9 = 19÷9=1
Now, substitute these values back into the equation:
9 – 1 + 9 – 1
Step 2: Perform Addition and Subtraction from Left to Right
Now, we calculate in order from left to right:
- 9 – 1 = 8
- 8 + 9 = 17
- 17 – 1 = 16
So, the correct answer is: 16
Common Incorrect Answers and Why They Happen
Many people arrive at incorrect answers because they don’t follow the correct order of operations. Here are some of the most common mistakes:
- Answer: 0 – This happens when someone groups all the numbers together without following PEMDAS, incorrectly simplifying the problem as:
9−9−9+9−9=09 – 9 – 9 + 9 – 9 = 09−9−9+9−9=0 - Answer: 1 – Some mistakenly subtract 9 from itself first before dividing, leading to:
(9−9)÷9+9−9÷9=1(9 – 9) ÷ 9 + 9 – 9 ÷ 9 = 1(9−9)÷9+9−9÷9=1
These errors reinforce the importance of following the correct mathematical rules step by step.
Why Understanding Order of Operations Matters
You might wonder—why does it even matter? Well, mathematics is built on logical rules, and following them correctly ensures we get consistent, accurate answers. The order of operations is used in everything from programming to engineering to everyday calculations.
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Think about it this way: If a recipe tells you to bake a cake at 350°F for 30 minutes before adding frosting, you wouldn’t reverse the steps, right? Math works the same way—sequence matters!
Put Your Skills to the Test
Did you get the correct answer? Share your response in the comments! Were you surprised by how easy it was to make a mistake?
If you enjoy solving puzzles like this, challenge your friends and see if they can get it right! Math riddles help improve problem-solving skills and boost logical thinking.
Want more brain teasers like this? Keep testing yourself with tricky puzzles and improve your critical thinking skills! Who knows? The next time you see a math problem like this, you might be among the 10% who get it right on the first try!
DOLLY PARTON’S SECRET LIFE: INSIDE HER COZY FARM WITH HUSBAND OF 57 YEARS
Dolly Parton, with a net worth of $500 million, and her husband Carl Dean, who prefers to stay out of the spotlight, live a peaceful life on a cozy farm. Instead of indulging in lavish luxuries, they choose a quiet and simple lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle.
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Dolly shared that keeping Carl out of the spotlight is a key reason their relationship has endured for so many years. They’ve remained close and content, enjoying their time together on their charming farm.
Dolly Parton says that her husband, Carl Dean, chose her, not her career, and she respects his wish for a quiet life away from the spotlight. Even though people often wonder about Dean because he rarely appears in public, Parton explains that he prefers staying out of the limelight to maintain his peace.
Their relationship is built on mutual respect. Parton values that Dean isn’t jealous of her success and is genuinely interested in her work. His encouragement has been important to her, and they make a great pair.
Dolly and Carl live a peaceful life on their farm. Dean has retired from his paving business, and they enjoy spending time together doing simple things. They go on RV trips, explore Tennessee and Kentucky, and stay at clean motels during their travels. Parton loves these moments, especially after finishing her music tours.
Despite her significant wealth, Parton focuses on enjoying her time with Dean. For their 55th wedding anniversary, they had a modest country dinner at home with a meal prepared by Parton, including chicken and dumplings and Dean’s favorite, pecan ice cream.
Parton also showed off their beautiful home in a YouTube series hosted by Reese Witherspoon. Though they had planned to renew their vows for their 50th anniversary, they celebrated with a simple country dinner instead.
While Parton still performs occasionally, she knows this will slow down as she gets older. For now, she treasures her quiet life on the farm with Dean, valuing their time together away from the public eye.
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