Nobody Can Solve This Math Problem
Here we go again… I say that because last time, there was an equation like this, it went viral.
RELATED READ: NOBODY CAN FIGURE OUT THE ANSWER TO THIS MATH PROBLEM
This time around, the equation is quite similar in that you have to use the correct order of operations to solve it.
The equation is:
8 ÷ 2(2+2) = ?
Easy, right?
NOPE. Not even close.
If you put the exact equation into Google, you’ll get the answer as 16.
However, when put into a scientific calculator, the answer you get is 1.
And that is when the internet has broken loose and is loosing their minds over the answer because everyone is getting something different…
People are even blaming the TYPE or brand of calculator being used…
But here’s the thing – just like the last equation, there are TWO right answers.
I know, frustrating right? One reason I hate math!
The answer lies in the way you go about solving it, and that depends on where in the world you learned math.
If you use the PEMDAS method, the order of the equation is Parenthesis, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction.
But if you were raised on the BODMAS method, then the order is Brackets, Orders, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction.
So technically, both are the right answers! 1 or 16? You decide!
I believe the issue lies in an getting an accurate description of two things.1. The problem written properly. And 2. perfect language meaning and understanding.
the way people understand and write things can be misconstrued greatly as well as what has been written can be taken in many different contexts to what is actually meant. For example is this problem 8÷2(2+2) or 8/2(2+2) or 8/2.all.(2+2) and are the parentheses considered a grouping sign or not.
As you may be able to see I can read this problem different ways depending on how exactly it was written or if it was written as was intended.for both will make a variation on the answer. If I said it was 8 over 2 all times (2+2) is that the same as 8 all over 2(2+2). And is that the same as 8 divided by 2 times (2+2) I believe one can now see where the issue maybe. Does this / mean divide or all over. Is it 8 over 2 or 8 divided by 2 is the (2+2) multiplied by 2 or by 8over2. And are parentheses an order of operations or part of a grouping symbol such as braces and brackets and a dividing line. I believe you may now understand why there is such a bold argument. I could clearly not even begin to give a proper answer until or unless I have been given the proper problem. Or the equation written properly as to where no other possible understanding of how it is meant compared to what is written can be derived from it in any way. Therefore I can only conclude that any given answer could be correct if solved in correct proportion to the understanding of what the actual problem is in question as it not finite problem but a conjecture of means per individuals thoughts and teachings.