The confusion stems from the interpretation of mathematical symbols and the order of operations. Instinctively, many read this expression as:

6 ÷ [2 × (1 + 2)]
= 6 ÷ [2 × 3]
= 6 ÷ 6
= 1

But that’s not what the rules of priority for operations dictate.

A little reminder of our middle school years

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