Challenge: Can you solve this math problem for middle schoolers – without a calculator?

Classic brain training methods often include crosswords or sudoku, but lately, I’ve been more drawn to the kind of challenge you’ll see below.

These puzzles have been all over the internet recently, probably because they are so much fun!

These problems are classic mathematical challenges, reminiscent of our middle and high school days.

It’s quite enjoyable to revisit the math you learned as a child and solve these problems anew.

Can You Figure Out the Correct Solution?

Here’s the challenge for you, presented in the picture below.

At the top of the picture, you’ll see the task along with four possible answers.

Which solution do you think is the correct one?

How did you come up with your answer?

Take your time and think it through to find the correct solution.

Done? Check below to see if you’ve picked the right number!

A

B

C

The Correct Answer

The correct answer is B: 12.

Why is 12 the correct answer?

If you recall from your school days, the order of operations means you handle multiplication before addition and subtraction. So, you start by solving 3 x 3, which equals 9.

Next, you’re left with a simpler problem: 3 + 9 – 3 + 3.

The answer is therefore 12.

Did you get it right? Congratulations!