What is 3 + 3 × 3? (Step by Step)

Work out 3 + 3 × 3 using the order of operations, with each step explained and the common mistake that gives 18.

The order of operations says multiply and divide before you add and subtract. So the 3 × 3 is done first, and the adding comes after.

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Step-by-step solution

What is 3 + 3 × 3?

Start with the expression: 3 + 3 × 3.
Multiply first: 3 × 3 = 9, so the expression becomes 3 + 9.
Then add: 3 + 9 = 12.
Common mistake: adding first (3 + 3 = 6, then 6 × 3 = 18) gives 18, which is wrong. Multiplication comes before addition, so the answer is 12. ✓

Answer: 12

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Getting 18 means you added 3 + 3 first. The order of operations says to multiply before adding, so 3 × 3 = 9 comes first, then 3 + 9 = 12.

Only if brackets told you to add first: (3 + 3) × 3 = 6 × 3 = 18. Without brackets, multiply first.

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