Math problem from 2019 divides the internet

In a world where social media thrives on polarizing debates, one would hardly expect a math problem to spark such a heated conversation. But one equation did just that.

In 2019, a seemingly simple math equation became a viral problem for social media users and “practically caused a civil war in the Popular Mechanics office.”

At its core, this wasn’t just about math; it was a cultural phenomenon, showcasing how people interpret rules differently and, sometimes, fiercely defend their perspectives.

Let’s break down the drama and explore why this problem became so controversial.

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.”

The case for 1

How did they get 1 as an answer?

The team followed the PEMDAS rule but interpreted it differently. While they agreed that the 2 + 2 inside the parentheses should be solved first, they argued that the resulting sum should be treated as if it were still within parentheses, essentially rewriting the equation as 8 ÷ 2(4), which gives us 1.

Weighing in on the massive problem, Rhett Allain, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Physics at Southeastern Louisiana University, says “This is the math version of, ‘What color is this dress? Blue and black or gold and white?’”

Rhett says the answer is 16.

“Of course this isn’t math. This is convention. We have conventions on how to write these things just like we have conventions on how to spell stuff. But still, there are different conventions. Some people spell it as ‘gray’ and others as ‘grey.’” He adds, “We still understand what’s going on. For me, I would write this more explicitly so that there is no confusion…That way no one will get it wrong.”

Whether you’re on team 16 or team 1, this viral phenomenon proves one thing: math has never been so confusing or more entertaining! So, which side are you on? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts

Donald Trump post shocking AI image and threatens major US city with ‘war’

Donald Trump isn’t happy with Chicago. Now he’s using AI to deliver a sharp warning to the city’s leaders. And, as usual, not everyone is impressed with…

Nicole Kidman forced to stop filming new movie as she ‘didn’t want to Org*** anymore’

Nicole Kidman has opened up about the challenges of filming intimate scenes in her new movie, Babygirl, admitting that at one point, she had to pause filming…

Trump warned Pentagon rebrand will make US a laughing stock

Donald Trump is back at it again with another executive order, and this time he’s got his sights set on the Pentagon. The former president, who wasted…

Shipwreck survivor who saw her friend get eaten by a shark recalls horrifying detail

In August 1981, off the coast of Florida, a routine day on the water turned into a fight for survival. Tamara Ennis faced a nightmare few could…

Toxii’s transformation: Before & after photos

A woman has left social media stunned after revealing her mind-blowing transformation over just four years. Toxii, a self-proclaimed body modification enthusiast, is now almost completely covered…

Mom of 16-year-old lured to death and filmed dying by 9 teens shares painful details

The mother of a teenager allegedly lured to his death – his final moments cruelly filmed – is sharing the heartbreaking details of her son’s deadly romance…