Mathematics is one of the subjects that is not very popular with all students. The fact is that not all students are good at math and that is why it is not popular. To most students, it poses problems in solving tasks.
But there are those who have no problem with all the mathematical equations and who enjoy solving them. However, challenge all of you and try to solve this math problem.
This math problem became a viral hit and met with countless comments from social media users.
The mathematical equation is as follows:
8 ÷ 2 ( 2 + 2 ) = ?
Sounds complicated, doesn’t it? Most users are confused by this equation as well. The answers of some users are that the correct solution is 1, the other part says that the answer is 16. Who is right? What is the solution you got? Did you even manage to find the correct solution to this equation?
The solution of this equation consists in the order of operations which should be in the correct order. There are two methods by which this mathematical equation can be solved, it all depends on where the person studied mathematics.
One method is PEMDAS which means that the sequence of operations is: parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, subtraction, from left to right.
According to this method, the task should be solved as follows:
8 ÷ 2 = 4
Then we solve what is in parentheses: ( 2 + 2 ) = 4
Then there is multiplication: 4 x 4 = 16.
Thus we come to the correct solution that it is 16.
The second method is BODMAS which means that the sequence of operations is as follows: brackets, orders, division, multiplication, addition, subtraction, in the direction from right to left.
According to this method, the task should be solved as follows:
First we get rid of the brackets 8 ÷ 2 ( 4 ) = ?
Then we get: 8 ÷ 2 x 4 = ?
Then we perform a multiplication operation 2 x 4 = 8.
Then we are left with the division: 8 ÷ 8 = 1.
Thus we get an exact solution 1.
Now the question arises how is it possible in mathematics which is an exact and precise science to have two correct solutions in one equation? Well that is not possible. Why? Because there is no error in the solution, but in the placement of this equation and the point of the one who compiled this mathematical equation. The point of this creator’s equation is this – to make it a viral hit. That is why this mathematical equation has two correct solutions. So stop arguing with each other, both solutions are correct.
This mathematical equation is similar to those images that appear on the Internet that ask users to say what color is the dress or shoes or the like. It depends on how the user is perceived, those images are intended to provoke reactions from users of social networks. So it is with this mathematical problem.
