There’s yet another maths sum going viral, so what on earth is 9-3÷1/3+1?
My brain can’t take this anymore
Another day, another maths question going viral on Twitter making us all wonder if we ever even went to school. This time it’s 9-3÷1/3+1, and to be honest, just looking at it is making my mind hurt.
Apparently the maths sum was posted originally a few years ago, with the stat that only 60 per cent of Japanese 20-year-olds were able to solve the question. So, can you work it out? Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common wrong answers, and of course, what the correct answer is.
What's the correct answer? pic.twitter.com/06CMgcpJtv
— Fascinating (@fasc1nate) September 9, 2023
Right, what actually is 9-3÷1/3+1?
This equation has gone around Twitter once again, with loads of people fighting over what they think the right answer is. It’s been viewed millions of times, has thousands of replies and 300 people have bookmarked the question, probably hoping to return to it later and get some answers.
The most common incorrect answer replying to the viral tweet is nine, but it’s an easy mistake to make – just by grouping the numbers incorrectly. Other numbers being thrown around include 15, three and 19 – but to be honest, everyone just wants to know what the real answer is so they can move on.
The most common mistake is writing the 1/3 as 9 – 3 ÷ 1/3 + 1 and doing the sum in order as this comes. Some calculators will also make mistakes with grouping, so may also give you an incorrect answer of nine.
The correct answer is found by grouping 1/3 with brackets and following the order of operations, with division coming first.
• 9 – 3 ÷ (1/3) + 1
= 9 – 9 + 1
= 0 + 1
= 1
This is an order of operations problem that shows the importance of grouping, the many ways you can indicate multiplication and division, and why using parentheses for clarity is so vital
A math problem is expressed differently than it is on paper when put into a calculator…
— Kayla Cardillo (@kaylacardillo) September 9, 2023
But honestly, if your mind still hurts then don’t worry, because same.
Most Read
Related stories recommended by this writer:
• What is 2x+6=10? The maths equation scrambling everyone’s brains right now
• This padlock riddle is going viral on Twitter and I’m so stuck my head hurts
• People rowing over the perfect cup of tea or coffee is the most British thing I’ve ever seen
Featured image background via Unsplash.
Latest
Millions of women are joining the 4B movement since Trump’s re-election, but what is it?
It’s Gen Z women’s response to being told ‘your body, my choice’
Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Snogging-inspired olives have been seen zooming around Cathays
Georgia would be so proud
Get ready, movie buffs: here’s your guide to what’s on at the Dukes this November
Get your popcorn ready for a month of Oscar contenders and old classics at Lancaster’s best indie cinema.
The second Love Island All Stars Islander reported as big name from the most recent series
The lineup just gets better and better
These are the UK uni subjects where you’ll find yourself surrounded by the most girlies in 2024
We need a femininomenon in STEM subjects
The postgrad agony aunt: Five things I wish I knew for my Uni of Birmingham dissertation
No, you don’t have to start planning your diss when you hit primary school
Bournemouth’s Christmas Market is back, and here’s what to expect from your visit
It’s the most wonderful time of the year
Lancaster SU club under fire for photo of student in monkey mask at Black History event
The photo was posted to the Sugarhouse Facebook page
Three years on from a suicide attempt, this is why Movember means so much to me in Durham
Durham students are doing a lot for men’s mental health this month: This is why it matters to me, and it is why I am speaking up about my story
Millions of women are joining the 4B movement since Trump’s re-election, but what is it?
It’s Gen Z women’s response to being told ‘your body, my choice’
Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Snogging-inspired olives have been seen zooming around Cathays
Georgia would be so proud
Get ready, movie buffs: here’s your guide to what’s on at the Dukes this November
Get your popcorn ready for a month of Oscar contenders and old classics at Lancaster’s best indie cinema.
The second Love Island All Stars Islander reported as big name from the most recent series
The lineup just gets better and better
These are the UK uni subjects where you’ll find yourself surrounded by the most girlies in 2024
We need a femininomenon in STEM subjects
The postgrad agony aunt: Five things I wish I knew for my Uni of Birmingham dissertation
No, you don’t have to start planning your diss when you hit primary school
Bournemouth’s Christmas Market is back, and here’s what to expect from your visit
It’s the most wonderful time of the year
Lancaster SU club under fire for photo of student in monkey mask at Black History event
The photo was posted to the Sugarhouse Facebook page
Three years on from a suicide attempt, this is why Movember means so much to me in Durham
Durham students are doing a lot for men’s mental health this month: This is why it matters to me, and it is why I am speaking up about my story