The Viral Equation That’s Breaking the Internet: 8 ÷ 2(2+2) – Solved

If you’ve come across the viral image claiming this math problem is “ONLY FOR GENIUSES,” you’re not alone. The equation:

8 ÷ 2(2 + 2) = ?

has sparked endless debate across social media. Many people confidently answer 16, while others swear the correct answer is 1. So which is it? Let’s break it down using proper mathematical order of operations.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Let’s go through the equation carefully using PEMDAS/BODMAS rules (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction):

Given:

scssCopiazăEditează8 ÷ 2(2 + 2)

Step 1: Solve the parentheses

CopiazăEditează2 + 2 = 4

Now the equation becomes:

scssCopiazăEditează8 ÷ 2(4)

Step 2: Interpret the expression

Here’s the tricky part. The expression 2(4) means multiplication:

CopiazăEditează8 ÷ 2 × 4

Step 3: Perform division and multiplication left to right

According to order of operations, you go left to right when multiplication and division appear together:

CopiazăEditează8 ÷ 2 = 4
4 × 4 = 16

✅ Final Answer: 16

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Why Do People Get It Wrong?

The confusion comes from how people interpret the expression 2(4). Some read it as a single grouped term, like:

CopiazăEditează8 ÷ [2(4)] = 8 ÷ 8 = 1

However, unless explicitly grouped with parentheses, multiplication is treated the same as division — and you go left to right.

That’s why the correct interpretation is:

CopiazăEditează8 ÷ 2 × 4 = 16

So… Is It Really Not 16?

The image says: “It’s NOT 16!” — but that’s just to create buzz. The truth is, when following standard math rules, 16 is absolutely correct.

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Takeaway

This viral equation is a fun reminder that even simple math can become controversial when formatting isn’t crystal clear. The key is sticking to the PEMDAS rules and solving step by step, left to right for multiplication and division.

So the next time someone says, “It’s not 16,” now you can explain exactly why it is.

Answer: 16. Case closed.