Consider the famous equation e=mc 2, which suggests the computation of energy as e=m×c 2. When letters are used for variables or constants, the multiplication sign is omitted. For example, in algebra we write 2x or 3a which means 2 × x or 3 × a. Such an omission is a convention in algebra. Key to the debate, we contend, is that the multiplication symbol before the parentheses is omitted. Lastly, according to the "M" for multiplication, 4(4)=16.įor us, the expression 8÷2(2+2) is syntactically wrong. Then, 8÷2(4) becomes 4(4) because (there are no exponents) and "D" stands for division. Someone following this order would have 8÷2(2+2) become 8÷2(4) thanks to starting with brackets (the same as parentheses). Lastly, according to the "D" for division, they get 8÷8=1.īy contrast, Canadians may be taught to remember BEDMAS, which stands for applying brackets, exponents, division, multiplication, addition and subtraction. Then, 8÷2(4) becomes 8÷8 because there are no exponents, and "M" stands for multiplication, so they multiply 2 by 4. Some commentators said people's misunderstandings were attributed to incorrect interpretation of the memorized acronym taught in different countries to remember the order of operations like PEMDAS, sometimes used in the United States: PEMDAS refers to applying parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition and subtraction.Ī person following this order would have 8÷2(2+2) become 8÷2(4) thanks to starting with parentheses. The most dominant theme simply focused on implementation of the order of operations according to different acronyms. Others, hedging a bit, suggest both answers are correct (which is ridiculous). Entering the expression on calculators, some of which are programmed to respect a particular order of operations, was much discussed. Many themes emerged from the plethora of articles explaining how and why this "equation" broke the internet. Two viable answers to one math problem? Well, if there's one thing we all remember from math class: that can't be right! Our interest was piqued because we have conducted research on conventions about following the order of operations-a sequence of steps taken when faced with a math equation-and were a bit befuddled with what all the fuss was about. Fear not, in what follows, we will explain the definitive answer to this question-and why the manner in which the equation is written should be banned. Unless, that is, you're like most others and your answer was 1 and you're equally confused about seeing it another way. If you're like most, your answer was 16 and are flabbergasted someone else can find a different answer. On the off chance you've yet to weigh in, now would be a good time to see where you stand. The debate, covered by Slate, Popular Mechanics, The New York Times and many other outlets, is focused on an equation that went so " viral" that it, eventually, was lumped with other phenomena that have " broken" or "divided" the internet.
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