Have you ever come across a math problem that seems easy at first glance, only to realize that most people get it wrong? The equation 9 – 9 ÷ 9 + 9 – 9 ÷ 9 = ? is one such puzzle that confuses many. It looks simple, but if you’re not careful, you might end up with the wrong answer.
Are you ready to put your math skills to the test? Take a moment to solve it before reading ahead. Think you got it right? Let’s find out!
Why Do So Many People Get This Wrong?

At first glance, this equation appears straightforward. However, small details in mathematical rules trip people up. Here are some common mistakes that lead to the wrong answer:
- Ignoring the Order of Operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS) – Many people solve the problem from left to right without following the correct order of operations.
- Misplacing Parentheses (Even When They Aren’t Written) – Some assume parentheses where there are none, changing how they approach division and subtraction.
- Rushing Through the Calculation – The problem is designed to look easy, so people tend to solve it quickly and overlook critical steps.
So, what’s the correct approach? Let’s break it down step by step.
Step-by-Step Solution
To solve this equation correctly, we must follow the order of operations. The most commonly used rule is PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)).
Video : Find The Missing Number – Hard Math Puzzle
The given equation:
9 – 9 ÷ 9 + 9 – 9 ÷ 9
Step 1: Solve the Division First
According to PEMDAS, division comes before subtraction and addition. So, let’s divide first:
- 9÷9=19 ÷ 9 = 19÷9=1
- 9÷9=19 ÷ 9 = 19÷9=1
Now, substitute these values back into the equation:
9 – 1 + 9 – 1
Step 2: Perform Addition and Subtraction from Left to Right
Now, we calculate in order from left to right:
- 9 – 1 = 8
- 8 + 9 = 17
- 17 – 1 = 16
So, the correct answer is: 16
Common Incorrect Answers and Why They Happen
Many people arrive at incorrect answers because they don’t follow the correct order of operations. Here are some of the most common mistakes:
- Answer: 0 – This happens when someone groups all the numbers together without following PEMDAS, incorrectly simplifying the problem as:
9−9−9+9−9=09 – 9 – 9 + 9 – 9 = 09−9−9+9−9=0 - Answer: 1 – Some mistakenly subtract 9 from itself first before dividing, leading to:
(9−9)÷9+9−9÷9=1(9 – 9) ÷ 9 + 9 – 9 ÷ 9 = 1(9−9)÷9+9−9÷9=1
These errors reinforce the importance of following the correct mathematical rules step by step.
Why Understanding Order of Operations Matters
You might wonder—why does it even matter? Well, mathematics is built on logical rules, and following them correctly ensures we get consistent, accurate answers. The order of operations is used in everything from programming to engineering to everyday calculations.
Video : Only 1% of people pass this logic test
Think about it this way: If a recipe tells you to bake a cake at 350°F for 30 minutes before adding frosting, you wouldn’t reverse the steps, right? Math works the same way—sequence matters!
Put Your Skills to the Test
Did you get the correct answer? Share your response in the comments! Were you surprised by how easy it was to make a mistake?
If you enjoy solving puzzles like this, challenge your friends and see if they can get it right! Math riddles help improve problem-solving skills and boost logical thinking.
Want more brain teasers like this? Keep testing yourself with tricky puzzles and improve your critical thinking skills! Who knows? The next time you see a math problem like this, you might be among the 10% who get it right on the first try!
“Heartbreaking Appeal: Abandoned Puppy Clings to Hope with Plea for Rescue”
In a world where compassion often shines its brightest in the midst of adversity, a poignant story of a vulnerable puppy’s plea for help has stirred the hearts of many, serving as a powerful reminder that acts of kindness can transcend even the harshest circumstances. The scene opens with a small, abandoned puppy adorned with a heart-wrenching sign that reads “Help Me,” a desperate cry for assistance that almost went unnoticed by a world seemingly too busy to care.
The story unfolds as a young child stumbles upon the sight of this forlorn puppy, shivering and hungry, left to fend for itself. With innocence and empathy, the child recognizes the urgent need for intervention and makes a call to those who can offer help.

Responding swiftly and compassionately, a dedicated team from an animal welfare organization arrives on the scene. Armed with warmth, nourishment, and a deep-seated commitment to making a difference, these volunteers extend a lifeline to the trembling puppy. Wrapping it in soft blankets, offering sustenance, and cradling it with the utmost gentleness, they exemplify the power of human empathy in its purest form.
The puppy’s journey from despair to hope is a testament to the strength of collective compassion. As it devours the offered sustenance with a hunger that goes beyond the physical, the transformation begins. With each bite, the puppy is nourished not only in body but also in spirit, finding a flicker of hope amidst its dire circumstances.

Soon after satiating its hunger, the puppy’s weariness takes over, and it drifts into a peaceful slumber. This vulnerable state serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerability of all creatures, a reminder that resonates with the viewer’s sense of empathy.
As the puppy awakens, a beautiful metamorphosis takes place. In the company of kind-hearted individuals and the comforting presence of other dogs, the once-desolate creature begins to flourish. Its playful interactions and moments of unadulterated joy become a beacon of resilience, a testament to the capacity for happiness and healing even after facing abandonment.
The heartwarming narrative of this rescued puppy touches on themes of responsibility and compassion, inviting reflection on our roles as stewards of the animals that share our world. It is a stark reminder that each life, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, carries its own inherent worth and deserves a chance to thrive.

The final chapter of this story is one of promise and commitment. The compassionate individuals who stepped in to save this puppy’s life also vowed to give it a forever home. The once-abandoned puppy will now be cherished as a member of a loving family, a testament to the enduring impact of compassion and care.
This heartrending tale of rescue and redemption demonstrates that in a world often marred by indifference, a simple act of kindness can become a catalyst for change. The puppy’s plea for help, conveyed through a handwritten sign, touched hearts around the globe, uniting people in a shared sense of empathy and determination.
As we reflect on this story, let it serve as a call to action—a reminder that our compassion can reshape lives, that our empathy can bridge the gaps of understanding, and that our collective effort can make a world of difference for those who cannot advocate for themselves. The tale of the adorable, abandoned puppy with a heartfelt plea is a testament to the power of compassion, a testament that resonates far beyond its pages and encourages us all to be the change we wish to see in the world.
Leave a Reply