To solve the equation [tex]\( 2 \square 4 \square 1 = 9 \)[/tex], we need to determine which arithmetic operations (multiplication, addition, subtraction, or parenthesis) to place in the squares so that the equation holds true.
After testing several combinations of operations:
1. First, test the combination of operations where multiplication and addition are used:
[tex]\[
2 \cdot 4 + 1
\][/tex]
Calculate step-by-step:
[tex]\[
2 \cdot 4 = 8
\][/tex]
[tex]\[
8 + 1 = 9
\][/tex]
This combination works, as it equates to 9, which matches the right-hand side of our equation.
So, the correct operations to use are multiplication ([tex]\(\cdot\)[/tex]) followed by addition ([tex]\(+\)[/tex]).
Thus, the completed equation is:
[tex]\[
2 \cdot 4 + 1 = 9
\][/tex]
This correctly satisfies the original problem.
