A seemingly straightforward math problem has taken the internet by storm, leaving experts and non-experts alike divided on the solution. The equation in question is 8 รท 2(2 + 2), and it has sparked a heated debate that has drawn in mathematicians, scientists, and everyday people.
The problem first gained attention in 2019 when a Twitter user posted it, asking followers to solve it. The response was overwhelming, with people passionately arguing for different solutions. The debate even made its way into the offices of Popular Mechanics, where editors were split on the answer.
One group of editors argued that the solution could be found using the PEMDAS rule, which dictates that equations should be solved in a specific order: parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction. Following this rule, they arrived at the answer 16.
However, not everyone agreed. Another group of editors argued that the correct solution was 1, also using the PEMDAS rule but interpreting it differently. According to them, the multiplication operation inside the parentheses took precedence over the division.
As the debate raged on, mathematicians and scientists weighed in. Mike Breen, of the American Mathematical Society, stated that according to the strict order of operations, the correct answer was indeed 16. However, he also acknowledged that the equation was ambiguous and open to interpretation.
Despite the expert opinions, the debate continued. Some people remained convinced that the answer was 1, while others argued that it was 16. Physics Professor Rhett Allain from Southeastern Louisiana University was even brought into the debate, and he argued that the equation should have been written differently to avoid ambiguity.
In the end, the debate highlighted the complexities of math and the importance of clear communication. While there may be different interpretations of the equation, one thing is clear: math has the power to bring people together and spark lively debates.
