4th grade math problem in China public school.

9-3 divided by 1/3 + 1 =

The correct answer is 1

As you can see, not even a calculator can help you, as it will read the problem wrong and arrive at the answer of 9. To solve it correctly in a calculator, you need to write it out like this: 9-3/(1/3) + 1, which will lead you to 1 as the correct answer. The problem tests your knowledge of PEMDAS, the order of operations formula, which says you must get to the answer by following these steps in this order: parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, subtraction. In this question, that means dividing 3 by the 1/3 first, which is the same as 3x3. That will then lead you to 9-9+1. PEMDAS states you need to do everything left to right, so then 9-9=0 + 1 = 1. Ta-da!

If you arrived at 3, 7, or 9 as your answer, you're not alone.

 

After reading your post, I think I have the same look your cat has.