help with algabra expressions

[everlasting moonie]

I'm trying to help my 13 year old nephew with a math problem that shows how little i know about algabra. Is question is 6 + 9 divided by 3 - 2 which numbers get the ( ) to = 1 Please help me save face.

 

[tkhunny]

I'm trying to help my 13 year old nephew with a math problem that shows how little i know about algabra. Is question is 6 + 9 divided by 3 - 2 which numbers get the ( ) to = 1 Please help me save face.

There's only a few ways. Give them a try.

With no parentheses
6 + 9 / 3 - 2
6 + 3 - 2
9 - 2
7 -- Nope.

First Two
(6 + 9) / 3 - 2
15 / 3 - 2
5 - 2
3 -- Nope.

Last Two
6 + 9 / (3 - 2)
6 + 9 / 1
6 + 9
15 -- Nope.

Two Pair
(6 + 9) / (3 - 2)
15 / 1
15 -- Nope.

I'm tired. There are a couple other ways to group things. Search them out.