The Equation That Went Viral
The problem in question is the seemingly simple equation: 6÷2(1+2). Despite its straightforward appearance, it has led to a variety of answers, causing confusion and debate.
The YouTube channel MindYourDecision sheds light on this by explaining, “I explain how to get the correct answer by using the modern interpretation of the order of operations.
Back to Basics with PEMDAs
To tackle this problem, we need to revisit the PEMDAS rule, which stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, and Addition/Subtraction.
Back to Basics with PEMDAS
To tackle this problem, we need to revisit the PEMDAS rule, which stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, and Addition/Subtraction.
So, how do we solve 6÷2(1+2)? The answer is 9, and here’s why.
Keeping PEMDAS in mind, we first solve the equation inside the parentheses: 1 + 2 = 3.
This changes our equation to 6÷2×3.
So, how do we solve 6÷2(1+2)? The answer is 9, and here’s why.
Keeping PEMDAS in mind, we first solve the equation inside the parentheses: 1 + 2 = 3.
This changes our equation to 6÷2×3.
Interestingly, MindYourDecisions also explored an older method from a 1917 textbook.
In this approach, after solving the parentheses, you would multiply 2 and 3 first, resulting in 6÷6 = 1.
However, this method is outdated, and the correct modern interpretation gives us 9 as the answer.