The equation that broke the Internet 6÷2(1+2)=

Skritzer — Tue, 27 Oct 2026 20:28:56 GMT

Correctly solving left to right

The equation that broke the Internet 6÷2(1+2)=?

Skritzer — Tue, 27 Oct 2026 07:18:00 GMT

@@ Line 276: / Line 276: @@
 If we insist on a left to right solution, ignoring both PEMDAS and the Distributive Law, we can do this by expressing the common divisor first. However, division is sustained and must be applied to everything to the right of the explicit division operator.
-::''6÷2(1+2)=?''
+:: '''Step 1.''' ''6÷2(1+2)=?''
-::''3÷1(1+2)=?''
+:: '''Step 2.''' ''3÷1(1+2)=?''
-::''3÷(1+2)=?''
+:: '''Step 3.''' ''3÷(1+2)=?''
-::''3÷(3)=?''
+:: '''Step 4.''' ''3÷(3)=?''
-::''3÷3=1''
+:: '''Step 5.''' ''3÷3=1''
 When we reduce by the common divisor, this does not complete the division operation, it simply reduces the coefficient to one. Division must be applied to both the factor and the coefficient of the parenthetical expression.

@@ Line 12: / Line 12: @@
 }}
-'''6÷2(1+2)=?''' is the algebra question that many Internet respondents seem to get wrong.  If you are in the camp that knows the correct answer is 1, read no further. If you believe the answer is 9, you should probably review this document. {{highlight|There is only one number that 6 can be divided by to result in 9, and that number is 2/3.}}
+'''6÷2(1+2)=?''' is the algebra question that many Internet respondents seem to get wrong.  If you are in the camp that knows the correct answer is 1, read no further.
 == Proof of correct solution ==
@@ Line 309: / Line 313: @@
 * [https://slate.com/technology/2013/03/facebook-math-problem-why-pemdas-doesnt-always-give-a-clear-answer.html "What Is the Answer to That Stupid Math Problem on Facebook?"]
 * [https://www.inc.com/dave-kerpen/this-basic-math-problem-is-breaking-internet.html This Basic Math Problem Is Breaking the Internet: How do you solve this simple arithmetic problem?]