Math Problem Causes Controversy as People Disagree How to Solve It
To solve the second math problem, 8÷2(2 + 2), we must once again follow the order of operations, which many people remember using the acronym PEMDAS. This rule states that we must first look for any math hidden inside parentheses and solve that part before doing anything else in the equation. In this specific case, the numbers inside the parentheses are 2 + 2, which equals 4. After we simplify that part, the equation looks like 8÷2(4). It is very important to realize that the number sitting right next to the parentheses actually indicates a multiplication step that is waiting to be solved. By following these steps in the correct order, we can turn a confusing puzzle into a simple set of numbers that are much easier to manage.
Once the parentheses are simplified, we are left with two operations: division and multiplication, which are equal in power according to math rules. When you have both of these operations in one line, the rule is to solve them from left to right, just like you are reading a sentence in a book. First, you take 8 ÷ 2, which gives you a result of 4. Now, the only thing left to do is multiply that 4 by the other 4 that we got from inside the parentheses earlier. When you multiply 4 times 4, you reach the final and correct answer of 16. Many people get stuck and arrive at a different answer because they multiply before they divide, but following the left-to-right rule is the secret to getting it right every time.