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Math isn’t always fun
The problem reads:
8 ÷ 2(2 + 2)
At first glance, it seems straightforward. But the simplicity is deceptive. Depending on how you interpret the order of operations, the answer could either be 1 or 16.
The case for 16
According to the PEMDAS/BODMAS rule (Parentheses/Brackets, Exponents/Orders, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction), equations or problems should be solved in the order specified by the acronym, starting with parentheses, followed by exponents, and continuing through the remaining operations – always working from left to right.
This means that the 2 + 2 in the parenthesis should be solved first, leaving people with 8 ÷ 2 x 4. After this, the equation calls for solving the leftmost operation first, so 8 ÷ 2 must be solved first rather than 2 x 4.
This gives us 4, leading to 4 x 4, equaling 16.
- 2 + 2 = 4
- 8 ÷ 4 = 4
- 4 x 4 = 16
However, a significant portion of the online community disagrees with this interpretation, including some mathematicians who are well-versed in the subject.
Mike Breen of the American Mathematical Society Public Awareness Office said, “the way it’s written, it’s ambiguous.”
Working with Popular Mechanics in solving this equation, Breen adds “In math, a lot of times there are ambiguities. Mathematicians try to make rules as precise as possible. According to strict order of operations, you’d get 16, but I wouldn’t hit someone on the wrist with a ruler if they said 1.”