Only for Geniuses? The Viral Math Puzzle Explained

By Lilo On Jun 9, 2025

Only for Geniuses? Cracking the Viral Math Puzzle: 3 – 3 × 6 + 2 = ??

A math puzzle circulating online has been labeled “Only for Genius??”—and it’s got people second-guessing their math skills. At first glance, it looks simple:

3 – 3 × 6 + 2 = ?

But looks can be deceiving. Let’s break it down step-by-step and uncover the real answer using basic math rules.

Step 1: Understand the Order of Operations

In math, the order of operations matters. You may have heard of PEMDAS or BODMAS, which stands for:

P/B – Parentheses or Brackets
E/O – Exponents or Orders (like squares, cubes)
MD – Multiplication and Division (from left to right)
AS – Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)

So before adding or subtracting, we must handle multiplication.

Step 2: Solve the Multiplication First

Let’s look at the equation again:

3 – 3 × 6 + 2

Do the multiplication first:

3 × 6 = 18

Now the equation becomes:

3 – 18 + 2

Step 3: Perform Addition and Subtraction from Left to Right

Now handle the subtraction and addition, in order:

3 – 18 = -15
-15 + 2 = -13

✅ Final Answer: -13

Why People Get It Wrong

Many people rush into the problem and solve it from left to right without applying the order of operations correctly. That’s what makes this simple-looking equation a viral trap.

This puzzle isn’t just about arithmetic—it tests attention to detail and your ability to apply logic under pressure. That’s why it’s branded as “Only for Genius??”

Want to Challenge Yourself Further?

Try these similar puzzles and see if you can beat the clock:

7 + 3 × (2 + 1) = ?
10 – 2 × 3 + 4 = ?
6 ÷ 2(1 + 2) = ?

Remember: Think before you solve.

Conclusion

The equation 3 – 3 × 6 + 2 is a perfect reminder that following the rules—specifically, the order of operations—is essential in math. Whether you got it right or wrong, walking through it step by step sharpens your logical thinking.

So next time you see a problem labeled “Only for Genius,” don’t be intimidated. Just pause, apply PEMDAS, and prove them right.