The PEMDAS Problem
At the heart of the debate is PEMDAS, the common math order of operations:
Parentheses
Exponents
Multiplication
Division
Addition
Subtraction
It tells the order to do operations. But the problem with 8 ÷ 2(2 + 2) is its unclear writing, which allows different interpretations.
Team 16 vs. Team 1: Different Answers
The fight over this equation is about how people see its setup. Here’s how:
Team 16
This group sticks to the PEMDAS rule:
Solve the parentheses: 2 + 2 = 4.
Put the result back: 8 ÷ 2(4).
See it as 8 ÷ 2 × 4 and do division and multiplication from left to right:
This way, the answer is 16.
Team 1
This group sees the equation differently, focusing on hidden multiplication:
Solve the parentheses: 2 + 2 = 4.
Treat 2(4) as one thing because of hidden multiplication: 8 ÷ [2(4)].
Simplify the equation:
This way, the answer is 1.