Mathematical puzzles like the one in the image above often go viral, sparking debates and confusion. At first glance, the problem seems simple, but small details can lead many people to the wrong answer. Are you confident in your math skills? Let’s break it down and find the correct answer together!
Try Solving It First!
The equation is:
8 + 8 ÷ 8 + 8 × 8 – 8 = ?
The multiple-choice options are:
- a) 65
- b) 64
- c) 80
- d) 72
Before scrolling down, take a moment to solve it yourself. Got an answer? Great! Now, let’s explore the common mistakes and find out which answer is truly correct.
Common Mistakes People Make
When faced with problems like this, many people misapply the order of operations, leading to incorrect results. Here are a few errors that frequently occur:
- Solving the equation from left to right
Many assume that math problems should always be solved from left to right, like reading a sentence. However, this approach ignores mathematical rules. - Ignoring the correct order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS)
Some people forget that division and multiplication take priority over addition and subtraction unless parentheses indicate otherwise. - Misplacing operations
Rushing through calculations often leads to skipping steps or misplacing numbers, resulting in the wrong final answer.
Step-by-Step Solution
To correctly solve this equation, we need to follow PEMDAS (also known as BODMAS):
- Parentheses
- Exponents
- Multiplication & Division (from left to right)
- Addition & Subtraction (from left to right)
Step 1: Identify the Order of Operations
The given equation is:
8 + 8 ÷ 8 + 8 × 8 – 8
Since there are no parentheses or exponents, we move to multiplication and division first, from left to right.
Step 2: Solve Division and Multiplication First
- 8 ÷ 8 = 1
- 8 × 8 = 64
Now, rewrite the equation with these results:
8 + 1 + 64 – 8
Step 3: Solve Addition and Subtraction from Left to Right
- 8 + 1 = 9
- 9 + 64 = 73
- 73 – 8 = 65
Final Answer:
65 (Option a)
Join the Discussion!
Now, it’s your turn!
Did you solve it correctly?
Did you fall into any of the common mistakes?
Do you want more fun puzzles like this?
Comment below with your answer and share this puzzle with your friends to see if they can get it right too!
Challenge yourself with more puzzles and keep sharpening your logic skills—after all, solving problems like these is one of the best ways to keep your brain active and engaged!
