{"id":139,"date":"2025-02-23T12:09:18","date_gmt":"2025-02-23T12:09:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/memories40s.online\/?p=139"},"modified":"2025-02-23T12:09:18","modified_gmt":"2025-02-23T12:09:18","slug":"math-problem-from-2019-divides-the-internetprnews","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/memories40s.online\/?p=139","title":{"rendered":"Math problem from 2019 divides the internet\u200bPRNEWS"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Math problem from 2019 divides the internet<\/h1>\n
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Math problem. Credit \/ Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

In a world where social media thrives on polarizing debates, one would hardly expect a math problem to spark such a heated conversation. But one equation did just that.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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In 2019, a seemingly simple math equation became a viral problem for social media users and \u201cpractically caused a civil war in the\u00a0Popular Mechanics\u00a0office.\u201d<\/p>\n

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At its core, this wasn\u2019t just about math; it was a cultural phenomenon, showcasing how people interpret rules differently and, sometimes, fiercely defend their perspectives.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s break down the drama and explore why this\u00a0problem\u00a0became so controversial.<\/p>\n

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Math isn\u2019t always fun<\/h2>\n

The problem reads:
\n8 \u00f7 2(2 + 2)<\/p>\n

At first glance, it seems straightforward. But the simplicity is deceptive. Depending on how you interpret the order of operations, the answer could either be 1 or 16.<\/p>\n

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The case for 16<\/strong><\/p>\n

According to the PEMDAS\/BODMAS rule (Parentheses\/Brackets, Exponents\/Orders, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction), equations or problems should be solved in the order specified by the acronym, starting with parentheses, followed by exponents, and continuing through the remaining operations \u2013 always working from left to right.<\/p>\n

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This means that the 2 + 2 in the parenthesis should be solved first, leaving people with 8 \u00f7 2 x 4. After this, the equation calls for solving the leftmost operation first, so 8 \u00f7 2 must be solved first rather than 2 x 4.<\/p>\n

This gives us 4, leading to 4 x 4, equaling 16.<\/p>\n

    \n
  • 2 + 2 = 4<\/li>\n
  • 8 \u00f7 4 = 4<\/li>\n
  • 4 x 4 = 16<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    However, a significant portion of the online community disagrees with this interpretation, including some\u00a0mathematicians\u00a0who are well-versed in the subject.<\/p>\n

    Mike Breen\u00a0of the American Mathematical Society Public Awareness Office said, \u201cthe way it\u2019s written, it\u2019s ambiguous.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Working with Popular Mechanics in solving this equation, Breen adds \u201cIn math, a lot of times there are ambiguities. Mathematicians try to make rules as precise as possible. According to strict order of operations, you\u2019d get 16, but I wouldn\u2019t hit someone on the wrist with a ruler if they said 1.\u201d<\/p>\n

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    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

    The case for 1<\/strong><\/p>\n

    How did they get 1 as an answer?<\/p>\n

    The team followed the PEMDAS rule but interpreted it differently. While they agreed that the 2 + 2 inside the parentheses should be\u00a0solved first, they argued that the resulting sum should be treated as if it were still within parentheses, essentially rewriting the equation as 8 \u00f7 2(4), which gives us 1.<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n
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    Weighing in on the massive problem, Rhett Allain, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Physics at Southeastern Louisiana University, says \u201cThis is the math version of, \u2018What color is this dress? Blue and black or gold and white?\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

    Rhett says the answer is 16.<\/p>\n

    \u201cOf course this isn\u2019t math. This is convention. We have conventions on how to write these things just like we have conventions on how to spell stuff. But still, there are different conventions. Some people spell it as \u2018gray\u2019 and others as \u2018grey.\u2019\u201d He adds, \u201cWe still understand what\u2019s going on. For me, I would write this more explicitly so that there is no confusion\u2026That way no one will get it wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Whether you\u2019re on team 16 or team 1, this viral phenomenon proves one thing: math has never been so confusing or more entertaining! So, which side are you on? Let us know in the comments! \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Math problem from 2019 divides the internet Math problem. 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