Math Problem Causes Controversy As People Disagree How To Solve It

The quotient would result in 4, which gives us 4 x 4, with a product of 16. However, half of the people online tend to disagree with this operation – including scientists who know their math.

The other half of Popular Mechanics editors said that the answer is 1. How did they arrive at this question? They also used “PEMDAS” but used a different interpretation of how it should be understood.

They agreed that the 2+2 in the parenthesis should be solved first, but the sum should be treated like it is in a parenthesis – 8÷2(4). One of the editors pointed out that based on the math class he had, a multiplication operation in parenthesis trumps division whether it is on the leftmost of the equation.

As the question siphoned the energy of the internet on the wild debate, mathematicians and scientists entered the battle. American Mathematical Society Public Awareness Office Mike Breen cited that based on the order of operations, 16 is the right answer.

However, he admitted that the equation, on the way it was written, is actually “ambiguous” in nature.

“In math, a lot of times, there are ambiguities. Mathematicians try to make rules as precise as possible. According to the strict order of operations, you’d get 16, but I wouldn’t hit someone on the wrist with a ruler if they said 1,” he said.

Despite Breen’s clear answer, some people are still unconvinced. The other half of the magazine editors sought the help of Physics Professor Rhett Allain from Southeastern Louisiana University, which they believed had finally solved the debate.