Are you prepared to test your brainpower? If you enjoy puzzles and want to flex your middle school math skills, you’re in the right place! Here’s a classic math challenge waiting for you, and it promises to be a fun one!

Let’s Dive In!

Check out the image below, where you’ll find a math problem along with four answer options. Your task? Figure out which one is correct. Take your time, think carefully, and arrive at the right answer.

Solve the Puzzle

Once you’ve thought it through, it’s time to reveal the answer. Look below:

The correct answer is B: 12. But why is it 12? Let’s break it down:

Remember PEMDAS—the order of operations: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction. First, we solve 3 x 3, which gives us 9.

Then we finish with: 3 + 9 – 3 + 3.

Simplifying that, we get: 3 + 9 = 12.

Did you get it right? If so, well done! It’s rewarding to put your math skills to good use.

Keep practicing puzzles like these to keep your mind sharp and ready for the next challenge! Ready to try another one?