7 Additions and 1 Subtraction

Fill the boxes below with only 7 addition (+) and 1 subtraction (-) operators. 

The smartest way to find the right place 

Correct Placement of Subtraction Operator

This was the question!

For a moment. let's put '+' operator in all given boxes.

1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8 + 9 = 33.

Let 'x' be the number ahead of which '-' should be there where x can be any number from 1 to 9. 

In above addition the x is already (unknown value) added so first we need to subtract it twice from LHS; first to compensate the addition operation & second for the mandatory subtraction operator that is to be placed at right place.

So for example, if it's ahead of 4 as right place then

1 + 2 + 3 + 4 - 4 - 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8 + 9 = 33.

1 + 2 + 3 + (4 - 4) - 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8 + 9 = 33.

For x, which is already there & can be any from 1 to 9,

1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8 + 9  - x - x = 33. 

45 - 2x = 33

2x = 12

x = 6.

Hence, the subtraction (-) sign should be ahead of 6. 

Fill in the Empty Boxes

Is it possible to fill each box in with an arithmetic operation so that this becomes a true equation?

Did you too find it true? 

Correct Operators in Empty Boxes!

What wasn't looking possible?

Yes, it's possible. All you need to do is recall BODMAS (Brackets, Of, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction) rule in mathematics that we learned in school.