We all love a good brain teaser, especially when it involves math—whether we admit it or not. A tricky math problem recently went viral, leaving the internet divided and proving once again that even simple-looking equations can be deceptive.
My Math Struggles & A Challenge
Here’s a quick personal anecdote: I recently started preparing for the GRE and realized that I hadn’t taken a formal math class in nearly nine years. Confidence? Gone. My quantitative reasoning skills? Rusty at best. So, I decided to brush up by taking online high school math courses, starting from the absolute basics.
When I came across this viral math puzzle that was stumping the internet, I thought, “This is my moment! Let’s see if I still have my 9th-grade math chops!” Spoiler: I did not.
The Viral Math Puzzle Taking the Internet by Storm
The problem originally surfaced in Japan, where researchers found that only 60% of people in their 20s managed to solve it correctly. It quickly spread online, turning into yet another viral challenge because, apparently, we love testing our brains with tricky equations (or we just enjoy arguing over the answers).
At first glance, the problem looks simple. But the devil is in the details. My gut told me there was some sort of trick involved—it seemed too easy. However, instead of embarrassing myself by attempting it publicly, I turned to the internet for guidance. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that someone, somewhere, has already tackled your problem and made an instructional video about it. So, I spent my morning watching people do math on YouTube. Exciting stuff.
The Math Problem:
6 ÷ 2(1 + 2) = ?
Go ahead, solve it. I’ll wait.
Video : Viral problem from Japan
Common Wrong Answers
If you got 1 or 9, you’re not alone. Many people arrived at these answers because of a little acronym called PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction).
You may remember PEMDAS from school—or perhaps the mnemonic “Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally.” The rule dictates that you must solve problems in this specific order:
- Parentheses
- Exponents
- Multiplication & Division (from left to right)
- Addition & Subtraction (from left to right)
So, following PEMDAS, some people calculated it as:
- Solve inside the parentheses: (1 + 2) = 3
- Rewrite the problem: 6 ÷ 2(3)
- Some then treated 2(3) as a single term and multiplied first: 6 ÷ 6 = 1
However, others applied division before multiplication:
- 6 ÷ 2 = 3
- Then, 3 × 3 = 9
Both groups were confident in their logic, but only one approach was correct.
The Correct Answer
The correct answer is 9. Here’s why:
Step 1: Solve the Parentheses First
(1 + 2) = 3
Now the equation is rewritten as:
6 ÷ 2(3)
Step 2: Follow the Order of Operations
According to PEMDAS, division and multiplication are performed from left to right (since they share the same level of priority in the hierarchy).
- 6 ÷ 2 = 3
- 3 × 3 = 9
Wait… Isn’t the Answer 1?
Some people argue that implicit multiplication (like 2(3)) takes precedence over division. However, modern mathematical notation treats multiplication and division equally. Since they appear side by side in the equation, we solve left to right.
If the equation had been written as:
6 ÷ (2 × 3)
Then, you would multiply first and get:
6 ÷ 6 = 1
But because the given equation lacks parentheses around 2(3), the correct answer remains 9.
Why People Get It Wrong
The confusion stems from different ways of interpreting notation and how we were taught order of operations. In some older textbooks, implicit multiplication (like 2(3)) was given higher priority than division, leading to the alternative answer of 1. However, under modern mathematical conventions, division and multiplication hold equal weight and should be solved left to right.
Video : 13 Riddles That Are Trickier Than They Seem
Math Rules Are Not Always Universal
Believe it or not, different countries and academic institutions teach math slightly differently. Some older math textbooks might suggest treating multiplication next to parentheses as having higher priority, while others follow the standard left-to-right rule. This is why debates like this never really die down—people were simply taught different methods!
How to Avoid Future Math Confusion
- Always follow the standard order of operations – PEMDAS (or BODMAS, if you learned it that way).
- If in doubt, add brackets – Parentheses make everything clearer and help prevent confusion.
- Be consistent – If you’re solving problems with others, use the same approach so that everyone gets the same answer.
- Check multiple sources – Sometimes, even textbooks disagree. Looking at different explanations can help clarify tricky concepts.
Final Thoughts
This viral math problem is a perfect example of how simple-looking equations can spark endless debate. The way you approach it depends on how you learned math, but if you apply PEMDAS correctly, the answer is 9—at least according to current conventions.
So, did you get it right, or are you questioning everything you thought you knew about math? Either way, at least we can all agree that math is a lot trickier than it looks!
The Way You Sleep Reveals How Lazy You Are
Have you ever wondered what your sleeping position says about your personality? While it may seem like just another unconscious habit, studies suggest that the way you sleep can reveal hidden traits, emotional tendencies, and even your energy levels.
Could your love for sleeping on your stomach indicate a carefree personality? Does curling up in a fetal position mean you have a sensitive side? And most importantly—does your sleep posture expose just how lazy or active you truly are?
Let’s dive into the most common sleeping positions and uncover what they reveal about your personality, mindset, and, yes, even your motivation levels!
1. The Fetal Position – The Sensitive Yet Overworked Dreamer
Do you sleep curled up on your side with your knees tucked close to your chest? If so, you’re not alone—this is the most common sleep position, especially among women.
What It Says About You:
You appear tough on the outside but are sensitive at heart. You’re hardworking but prone to stress and overthinking. You like feeling safe, secure, and comforted while sleeping.
Are You Lazy?
Not exactly! People who sleep in the fetal position are often hardworking and emotionally intense. However, they can be prone to mental exhaustion, making them seem lazy when they take extra time to recharge.
2. The Log Position – The Social Butterfly with Low Effort Energy
If you sleep straight on your side with both arms at your sides, congratulations! You’ve mastered the art of appearing effortlessly cool in your sleep.
What It Says About You:
You’re easy-going, friendly, and social. You trust people easily—sometimes too easily. You don’t stress much, and you go with the flow.
Are You Lazy?
Maybe. You’re so relaxed that you might avoid putting in extra effort unless absolutely necessary. But hey, why work harder when you can work smarter?
3. The Yearner Position – The Indecisive Procrastinator
Sleeping on your side with both arms stretched out in front of you? That’s called the yearner position, and it says a lot about how you handle life’s choices.
Video : Your Sleeping Position Says All the Truth About You
What It Says About You:
You’re open-minded but also skeptical and cautious. You take your time making decisions—sometimes too much time. Once you decide, you stick to it no matter what.
Are You Lazy?
A little. Since you tend to overthink decisions, you sometimes delay tasks until the last minute. But once you commit to something, you see it through—even if it means pulling an all-nighter!
4. The Soldier Position – The Disciplined Overachiever
If you sleep flat on your back with arms straight at your sides, you embody the soldier position—a posture as structured as your mindset.
What It Says About You:
You’re serious, reserved, and disciplined. You hold yourself and others to high standards. You don’t like drama and prefer a structured lifestyle.
Are You Lazy?
Not at all! If anything, you’re the opposite of lazy. You probably wake up early, stick to routines, and believe in getting things done efficiently. But because of your strict nature, others might assume you’re too rigid to relax.
5. The Freefall Position – The Restless Risk-Taker
Do you sleep on your stomach with your arms around the pillow and head turned to the side? That’s called the freefall position, and it belongs to people who live life on their own terms.
What It Says About You:
You’re outgoing, adventurous, and bold. You hate criticism and prefer to be in control. You live in the moment but can be a little impulsive.
Are You Lazy?
Not at all! Freefall sleepers are energetic and spontaneous, always ready for the next big thing. However, since you value freedom so much, you might avoid responsibilities that feel restrictive.
6. The Starfish Position – The Laid-Back Helper
If you sleep on your back with your arms stretched above your head, you’re a starfish sleeper—a position that suggests you prioritize relationships over personal attention.
What It Says About You:
You’re a great listener and a loyal friend. You don’t like being the center of attention. You believe in helping others before helping yourself.
Are You Lazy?
Maybe. Starfish sleepers are laid-back and non-competitive, meaning they’re not always in a rush to achieve big things. However, their caring nature makes them hard workers when it comes to supporting others.
7. The Pillow Hugger – The Affectionate Daydreamer
If you hold a pillow tightly while sleeping, you’re a pillow hugger, which means comfort and emotional connection are important to you.
What It Says About You:
You cherish close relationships and need emotional support. You enjoy coziness and relaxation. You’re a warm, affectionate person who values loyalty.
Are You Lazy?
Yes and no. You might not have the most aggressive work ethic, but you’re not completely unmotivated either. Your drive depends on how emotionally connected you feel to what you’re doing.
Video : What Your Sleeping Position Says About You
8. The Stargazer Position – The Optimistic Dreamer
Do you sleep on your back with arms folded behind your head? If so, you’re a stargazer sleeper—a person with a relaxed, positive outlook on life.
What It Says About You:
You’re optimistic and carefree. You value friendships and deep conversations. You’re always looking for the silver lining in any situation.
Are You Lazy?
Yes, but in a good way! Stargazer sleepers don’t stress over minor details and prefer to go with the flow. You might procrastinate, but you always manage to get things done in your own time.
Conclusion: Does Your Sleeping Position Expose Your Laziness?
Your sleeping position can reveal interesting personality traits, including how hardworking or laid-back you are. While some positions suggest a disciplined and ambitious nature, others indicate a more relaxed and carefree attitude toward life.
But remember—sleeping habits don’t define you completely. Whether you’re a fetal-position overthinker, a log-sleeping socialite, or a freefall daredevil, your personality is a mix of many complex factors.
So, what’s your go-to sleeping position? Do you think it matches your personality? Let us know in the comments!
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