Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Times of India
The Times of India
Lifestyle
TIMESOFINDIA.COM

Maths puzzle: Internet divided over the right answer to this question; can you solve it?

A maths puzzle is doing rounds on social media. The question, which appears to be simple, has divided the internet.

The question is: 8/2(2+2).

One of the ways it can be solved is:

8 ÷ 2 (2 + 2) =

8 ÷ 2 x 4 =

8 ÷ 2 x 4

and, the answer is

4 x 4 = 16

The other way is: 8/[2(2+2)] = 8/[2(4)] = 8/[8] = 1

Math puzzles as this one have always baffled puzzle solvers. Math puzzles are mathematical problems or games that require creative thinking and problem-solving skills to find a solution. They come in various forms and difficulty levels, ranging from simple arithmetic puzzles to complex mathematical challenges. Math puzzles are an excellent way to enhance your mathematical skills, critical thinking, and logical reasoning abilities. Due to the fact that these puzzles can be solved in more than one way depending on the different rules of mathematics, people get divided over the way of solving.

On this maths puzzle, one user says: The question is ambiguous.

It can be interpreted as

8

--(2+2)

2

Or

8

--

2(2+2)

It's just designed to drive up engagement by making people argue.

Another explains: It's been more than 30 years since my last Math class, but I'm pretty sure it is:

8 ÷ 2 (2 + 2)

8 ÷ 2(4)

8 ÷ 2 x 4

4 x 4 = 16

In order to equal 1, the equation would have to be:

8 ÷ (2(2 + 2))

8 ÷ (2 x 4)

8 ÷ 8 = 1

So, what’s your answer to this puzzle?

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.