Let's examine the puzzle:
7 − 2(8 − 4)
Step 1: Solve the Parentheses
Inside the parentheses:
8 − 4 = 4
The equation becomes:
7 − 2(4)
Step 2: Perform the Multiplication
Multiply:
2 × 4 = 8
Now the equation becomes:
7 − 8
Step 3: Subtract
7 − 8 = -1
Final Answer
The correct answer is -1
Why So Many People Get Different Results
The confusion usually comes from one of three common mistakes.
Mistake 1: Skipping Steps
Many people try to solve everything mentally and accidentally overlook one operation.
Mistake 2: Misremembering PEMDAS
Some assume multiplication always comes before everything else after parentheses, without considering the full sequence.
Mistake 3: Rushing
Social media encourages quick responses. People often answer before carefully checking their work.
The More Famous Viral Equation
Another equation that frequently appears online is:
8 ÷ 2(2 + 2)
This problem generates controversy because the notation can appear ambiguous to some readers.
Using standard modern order-of-operations conventions:
- Solve parentheses:
- 2 + 2 = 4
- Equation becomes:
- 8 ÷ 2 × 4
- Perform division and multiplication from left to right:
- 8 ÷ 2 = 4
- 4 × 4 = 16
