To ask for help in solving this maths problem?

[SomeSortOfDeliciousBiscuit]

I've got myself to the stage where all the numbers are looking the same.

The symbols have to be arranged to form a statement where 3 is the answer. Each symbol can only be used once.

( 1 9 - + x 2 5 )

I have managed to arrange it for -3 but not 3 and I'm not creative enough with maths to find these sort of questions easy.

How? How do you know how to do it?!

1 + 5 x 2 - 9

(1 + 5) x 2 - 9 rather forgot the brackets

Nicely done

9x2 = 18
5+1 = 6
18 /6 = 3

Assumed - is a typo and should be division!)

No, it's definitely not a typo. I thought it was too and was doing the same thing. It's minus.

NARSwife, please run away with me and have my babies. THANK YOU.

I presume the obvious would not work, and that all the symbols have to be used, otherwise the obvious is;

1+2 = 3