What is 6÷2(1+2) = ? The Correct Answer Explained

In this math video I answer viral man problem: What does 6÷2(1+2) = ? The answer is not so simple, and I show why you may think the answer is 9 or it is 1. #6÷2(1+2) #orderofoperations #pemdas #bodmas #minutemath #viralmathproblem

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[billyly]

Still think it’s 1, since I believe that you should always be operating on brackets first

[Bro_B]

This is not the issue at all. Parenthesis are not resolved until the 2 is distributed into them. Could also be written as 6÷((2×1)+(2×2))=6÷(2+4)=6÷6=1

[drewfitzsimmons]

The 2 is the multipler for the parentheses. 2(1+2) is a parenthetical equation. When doing parentheses, you apply the multiplier first.
6÷2(1+2)
6÷(2+4)
6÷6
1

[petej]

By this logic, then 2/2x=3 if x=3, but in algebra 2/2x would equal 2/6=1/3. By this logic 2/2x = (2/2)*x and not 2/(2x). In algebra and trigonometry 2/2x =(2/2)*(1/x), but according to this logic that would be wrong. I was always taught that multiplication comes before division, and it's worked for me right through calculus.

[lilyarianne]

Computers will automatically change "6÷2(2+1)" into "6÷2×(2+1)". Therefore changing the variable from 2 to 1. If we were to use a scientific calculator to properly Express the variable we would get the awnser of 1.

[mickmill]

Distributive property. It’s 1, you don’t have another set of parentheses, so you can’t separate 2(1+2)

[taber]

BODMAS and PEMDAS are absolutely equivalent, nothing different, so you can apply BODMAS or PEMDAS.
They both tell you the order of operation.
B Brackets
P Perentheses
Must be done, got rid of, dispenced with, CALCULATED OUT, first.
6÷2(1+2)
6÷2 (3)
Here 2(3) is One expressoin, the 2 cannot be seperated from the Bracketed (3). 2 operates on whatever is in the Brackets or Perentheses, 2(3) is STILL BRACKETED, so by BODMAS or PEMDAS must therefore be done first, 2(3) is 6

6÷6
6÷6=1

[muffaloaf]

Where am I? The distributive property proves its 1. Multiplication and division are equal, yes, but the parentheses do not just disappear. The 2 is attached to what’s inside of it!

[chrafted]

Everyone in Australia will get 1, because we think that if a number is next to brackets you don't remove the brackets and the number next to it is attached basically Idk how to explain

[yairidan]

If there is no multiplication sign between arguments the connection is stronger, like 2πr or πr²

6÷2π = 6/(2π)
6÷πr² = 6/(πr²)
6÷π(r * 2.54)² = 6/(π(r * 2.54)²)
So 6÷2(1+2) = 6/(2(1+2))

[marksazonov]

The way it’s written up the correct answer is 1! Don’t get fooled. I will give you two formulas a(b+c)= ab+ac and (a+b):c= a/c+b/c. Oh, the 3rd one a:b=b*a, almost forgot. Now divide 6/2(1+2) and 2(1+2)/6. Formulas are above-try to match your numbers.You never gonna match the number with always missing(1+2).

[humberto]

Single number in brackets are supposed to be multiplied ( with the number right next to it) we cant make the “division” until the brackets are gone (brackets first until they are gone)

[maytelaranas]

Again the rule that parentheses goes first. Did the (3) magically disappear from the parentheses? No, that’s why you multiple first.

[geovannyluna]

The reason the answer is 1.
6÷2(1+2)= 6÷2y
Y=1+2
Y=3
6÷2(3)=6/2y
6/6=1

What ever is in the () is multiplies by two. It is written that way for a reason. Consider it an equational word problem. You do not separate 2y. It is one. Therefore you must solve 2(1+2) before dividing it from 6. The multiplication factor of the parentheses is part of the parentheses step of pemdas.
6÷2(1+2) ≠ 6÷2×(1+2)
Let's pretend we are trying to find y
Where x=6÷2y
6= x×2y
2y=6/x
Y=6/x/2
Now y=1+2
Y=3
Now let's find x
3=6/x/2
6=6/x
6x=6
X=6/6
X=1

For those of you who can follow along. The answer is not 9.

[petepalmere]

Let me add to my previous comment: The expression as written is ambiguous. Just like in writing one needs to be clear and concise: So, what should it be: If one means 6:- [2(1+2)] then the answer is clearly 1; however if it is( 6:-2) (2+1) then the answer is 9. you get the point, state the problem as it is intended. parens, double parens, and brackets are the key.

[wansakuga]

Let say I use 2=x
6÷x(x+1)
6÷(x^2+x)
6/(x^2+x)
6/(2^2+2)
6/6
=1
2(2+1) is actually (4+2) but has been factorise.

[mauricebeauchsne]

The way the problems written wouldn’t two be a coefficient for the parentheses since there is not multiplication symbol?
Like would this not be the same?
6 ÷ 2x = 1
Then you’d solve for x and write it like this
6 ÷ 2(3) =1

6 ÷ 2x = 9
Would just come out to x=1/3 or
6 ÷ 2(1/3) = 9

[rokmin]

its deliberately written in an ambiguous way so honestly there is "no solution" the way its written, you'd have to accept both answers as correct. Writing (6/2) would clarify it but of course then there is no controversy.

[BladezAndrew]

6/2(1+2)

6/2(3)

now the problem is that 2(3) even though 2 is outside of the parenthesis.... the actual syntax there isn't 2x3 but actually (2x3) because lets say that these numbers were represented as variables, or you were simplifying expressions and it was y/x(x+y) would you not distribute that to be y/x^2+xy? Like of course it would be dumb to write it that way The answer is just 1 you and all these mathematician wannabes are just wrong plain and simple.

[stevenwhittaker]

It is 9 but not because division is the same as multiplication...it because multiplication and division are done at the same time left to right in the order of operations. Pemdas is not multiplication first and then division. Others around the world are taught bodmas which has the operations in a different order but still arrives at the same answer. There are only 4 steps in the order of operations.
P parenthesis
E exponents/orders
MD × & ÷ left to right
AS + & - left to right