We’ve all seen those math problems floating around the internet — the kind that look deceptively simple but spark intense debates in the comments section. One such equation has recently gone viral again, and it’s stirring up plenty of heated arguments.
The Problem That’s Confusing the Internet
Let’s take a look at the equation:
8 ÷ 2(2 + 2) = ?
At first glance, this looks easy. But the moment people start solving it, the answers split — some say it’s 16, others argue it’s 1 or even 14. So what’s the correct answer, and why are so many people getting it wrong?
Why So Many People Get This Wrong
The primary reason for confusion here lies in the order of operations — also known as PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)).
Let’s face it, most of us don’t consciously apply PEMDAS every day. We rely on instinct or old habits, which can backfire with problems like this. In particular, expressions like 2(2 + 2) trip people up because they confuse multiplication with grouping or misread the implied multiplication.
Step-by-Step Breakdown Using PEMDAS
Let’s walk through this using proper order of operations.
Step 1: Solve Inside the Parentheses
Start by simplifying what’s inside the parentheses:
2 + 2 = 4
So the equation becomes:
8 ÷ 2(4)
Here’s where the real confusion starts. Some people treat 2(4) as a single term and multiply it first. Others follow PEMDAS strictly and perform division and multiplication from left to right.
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Step 2: Rewrite for Clarity
Now, the equation is:
8 ÷ 2 × 4
According to PEMDAS (specifically the “MD” part — Multiplication and Division from left to right), we go left to right for these operations:
8 ÷ 2 = 4
Then:
4 × 4 = 16
Final Answer: 16
That’s it. The correct answer is 16.
Let’s Look at the Incorrect Answer (14)
Some folks argue the answer is 14 because they mistakenly believe:
8 ÷ 2(2 + 2) = 8 ÷ 2 × 4 = 8 ÷ (2 × 4) = 8 ÷ 8 = 1
Others see the multiplication as grouping and assume 2(4) must stay together, so they treat the equation as:
8 ÷ (2 × 4)
This interpretation is not correct according to standard math conventions, which treat multiplication implied by parentheses (like 2(4)) the same as regular multiplication.
How to Avoid These Mistakes
Here are a few tips that will help you avoid common math traps like this:
- Use PEMDAS/PEMDAS consistently: Parentheses → Exponents → Multiplication and Division (Left to Right) → Addition and Subtraction (Left to Right).
- Rewrite complicated expressions for clarity. If you’re unsure how to treat an operation, break it into smaller parts.
- Avoid assuming parentheses around parts of the problem where none exist.
Test Yourself With a Similar Problem
Try solving this using the same method:
12 ÷ 3(3 + 1) = ?
Let’s simplify:
3 + 1 = 4, so we now have:
12 ÷ 3(4) → 12 ÷ 3 × 4
From left to right:
12 ÷ 3 = 4
4 × 4 = 16
So, once again, the answer is 16.
Why These Problems Go Viral
Why are math problems like these shared so widely?
Simple: they challenge what we think we know. People love to prove others wrong, and nothing gets people more fired up than numbers that don’t seem to add up. But they also offer a great reminder that even basic math can stump us if we’re not paying close attention.
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What This Teaches Us About Logic and Attention
Solving puzzles like this isn’t just about knowing math. It’s about logic, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills — things we use every day, even when we’re not calculating.
If you fell for the trick and got 1 or 14, don’t worry. You’re not alone. But hopefully, next time you’ll spot the trap and nail it confidently.
Final Thought: Share and Challenge Your Friends
Now that you know the right answer is 16, go ahead and challenge your friends. Don’t just give them the answer — let them wrestle with it first. You’ll see just how many people jump to the wrong conclusion.
And if you want to strengthen your logic skills, keep solving puzzles like this. Each one is a little workout for your brain — and just like physical workouts, the more you do, the stronger you get.
So what do you say — ready for the next challenge?
