Viral math equations frequently spark lively debates across social media platforms. The confusion usually stems from misapplying the standard order of operations—commonly remembered by acronyms like PEMDAS or BODMAS—which dictates the exact sequence required to solve arithmetic expressions correctly.
In the handwritten image above, the challenge states: “Answer is NOT 3. $27 \div 3 + 3 \times 2 = ?$“. In this guide, we break down the correct mathematical steps to solve the expression accurately.
Step-by-Step Order of Operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS)
+--------------------------------------------------------+
| Order of Operations Map |
+---------------------------+----------------------------+
|
v
+--------------------------------------------------------+
| Step 1: Division & Mult. | Step 2: Addition |
| - 27 ÷ 3 = 9 | - Combine 9 + 6 |
| - 3 × 2 = 6 | - Final Result = 15 |
+--------------------------------------------------------+
1. Perform Division & Multiplication (Left to Right)
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Division: Perform $27 \div 3$ first, which equals $9$.
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Multiplication: Perform $3 \times 2$ next, which equals $6$.
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Intermediate Expression: The equation simplifies to $9 + 6$.
2. Perform Addition
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Final Step: Add the two results together: $9 + 6 = 15$.
Order of Operations Summary Table
| Step | Operation | Portion of Equation | Calculated Result | Simplified Expression |
| Start | Original Equation | $27 \div 3 + 3 \times 2$ | — | $27 \div 3 + 3 \times 2$ |
| Step 1 | Perform Division | $27 \div 3$ | 9 | $9 + 3 \times 2$ |
| Step 2 | Perform Multiplication | $3 \times 2$ | 6 | $9 + 6$ |
| Step 3 | Perform Addition | $9 + 6$ | 15 | 15 |
Why People Incorrectly Get 3 (The Common Mistake)
A common mistake occurs when evaluating the expression strictly from left to right without respecting operator precedence:
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$27 \div 3 = 9$
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$9 + 3 = 12$
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$12 \times 2 = 24$ (or performing operations out of order to arrive at 3).
By adhering strictly to standard order of operations rules (Multiplication and Division before Addition and Subtraction), the correct answer is unambiguously 15.
Logic, Education, and Daily Life
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Conclusion
Following standard arithmetic rules, the equation $27 \div 3 + 3 \times 2$ simplifies to $9 + 6$, yielding the correct final answer of 15.
Did you solve it correctly on your first attempt? Let us know in the comments below!
FAQ Section
What does PEMDAS stand for?
PEMDAS stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), Addition and Subtraction (from left to right).
Does multiplication always come before division?
No. Multiplication and division have equal priority. They are executed in order from left to right as they appear in the expression.
