A short math problem is challenging people to remember one of the most important rules of arithmetic:
3 × 3 − 3 ÷ 3 + 3
At first glance, the expression looks simple. But solving it correctly depends on using the proper order of operations.
Multiplication and division must be completed before addition and subtraction. When multiplication and division appear at the same priority level, they are evaluated from left to right.
First:
3 × 3 = 9
Then:
3 ÷ 3 = 1
The original expression therefore becomes:
9 − 1 + 3
Addition and subtraction have the same priority, so they are also handled from left to right:
9 − 1 = 8
8 + 3 = 11
That means the correct answer is 11.
The puzzle is a useful reminder that arithmetic expressions cannot always be solved simply by calculating each operation in the order it appears. Following the order of operations ensures that everyone arrives at the same result.