The internet loves a good debate, especially when it involves solving math problems. One such problem, \(8 \div 2(2+2)\), has gone viral, dividing people into two camps: those who believe the answer is 1 and those who claim it's 16. At the heart of this controversy lies the interpretation of the order of operations, also known as PEMDAS or BODMAS. In this post, i will show the steps to solve the problem, why the confusion exists, and how to avoid similar issues in mathematical expressions.
At first glance, it might look straightforward, but different interpretations of the order of operations have caused people to arrive at two answers: 1 or 16. Let’s break it down step by step to clarify why the correct answer is 16.
Step 1: Solve Inside the Brackets (B in BODMAS)
\(8 \div 2(2+2)\)
The first rule of BODMAS (or PEMDAS) is to handle what’s inside the brackets first. In this case:
\(2+2=4\)
After simplifying the brackets, the equation becomes:
\(8 \div 2(4)\)
At this stage, the brackets have already been “touched,” meaning the operation inside them is complete. The now represents multiplication.
Step 2: Division and Multiplication (DM in BODMAS)
After solving the brackets, BODMAS dictates that division and multiplication are performed from left to right, as they have the same priority. Here’s how it works:
1. First, handle the division (D): \(8 \div 2 = 4\)
2. Next, handle the multiplication (M): \(4 \times 4 = 16\)
Final Answer: 16
The correct answer is 16, because division and multiplication are resolved in the order they appear (from left to right) after the brackets are simplified.
\( \therefore 8 \div 2(2+2)\)
\(= 8 \div 2(4)\)
\(= 4(4)\)
\(= 4\times 4 \)
\(= 16\)
Why Do People Think the Answer Is 1?
Some people assume that the should be grouped together, interpreting it as:
\(8 \div [2(4)] = 8 \div 8 = 1\)
However, this interpretation is incorrect because the parentheses around \(2+2\) have already been resolved. Once the brackets are simplified to , the equation becomes a straightforward case of division and multiplication, which must be handled from left to right.
Key Takeaway: Understand What Brackets Mean
It’s important to recognize that in \(8 \div 2(2+2)\):
- The brackets only group \(2+2\). Once you simplify this to \(4\), the parentheses no longer dictate special priority.
- The remaining equation, \(8 \div 2(4)\), is interpreted as \(8 \div 2 \times 4\), which follows the left-to-right rule.
The viral math problem \(8 \div 2(2+2)\) is a perfect example of why understanding the order of operations is so important. By following the rules of BODMAS or PEMDAS, we can confidently say the answer is 16.
So, the next time you see a similar problem, remember: brackets are only active until their contents are simplified, and multiplication or division follows a clear left-to-right rule after that.
What do you think about this explanation? Share your thoughts in the comments below and test your friends by sharing this post!
For more math insights and explanations, subscribe to our blog and never miss out on content that simplifies complex problems
 Equal to 1 or 16?){kind=link}
0 Comments