What's The Correct Answer For The 6÷2(1+2) Equation? The Viral 'Math Bait' Meme Explained

Math problems aren't usually a viral topic on social media, but every once in a while, one pops up that sparks a viral phenomenon online. Such is the case with the 6÷2(1+2) equation that has been causing quite a stir on X / Twitter and Reddit lately for its many interpretations and results generated by confused netizens.

A tweet posted by X user @moongleamdream in late October 2024 mocking someone's wrong answer for the equation has gained an incredible 77 million views in three days, reigniting a passionate debate about the right answer for the math equation.

There is only a single answer for the 6÷2(1+2) equation and it's 9, here's why.

What's The Correct Answer For The 6÷2(1+2) Equation?

The main first step to get to the right answer for the 6÷2(1+2) equation is the order of operations. You see, this viral equation is one of many so-called "math bait" problems with intentionally vague formatting that is often posted with the intent of sparking debate as commenters offer different answers based on their view to solve the equation.

Recapping a few equation rules, first, evaluate parentheses/brackets, then evaluate exponents/orders, then evaluate multiplication-division, and, lastly, evaluate addition-subtraction. Following this logic will take you to the current view of the equation:

6÷2(1+2)
= 6÷2(3)

The catch here is that the (3) in the parentheses has to be interpreted into an implied multiplication, which, according to the order of operations, division and multiplication have the same importance. This will then set the stage for the correct order, which is to evaluate from left to right, as shown below:

6÷2×3
= 3×3
= 9

YouTuber and mathematician Presh Talwalkar cleverly explains all the steps summarized above to reach the correct answer to the 6÷2(1+2) equation.

How Did The 6÷2(1+2) Math Equation Went Viral?

Even though Talwalkar's video explanation of the 6÷2(1+2) equation was posted in August 2016, it was only in April 2021 that the math problem grew into a divisive and funny debate on social media. X user @lesvity was responsible for throwing the first curveball on the matter by sharing his disbelief in the statement, "How can you guys get anything other than 7…", possibly trolling.

The equation continued to divide X users between those who felt its answer was 1 and those who felt it was 9. For example, user @itsmagik pointed out that the reason for different answers was due to how people were visualizing the question, with some interpreting it as (6/2) x (1+2) and others reading it as 6 / (2(1+2)).

X user @ReejFPS noted how strictly following PEMDAS and would give users 9, and using the distributive property would give users 1.

So, which side are you on in this debate?

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For the full history of 6÷2(1+2), be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry for more information.