A grade school math problem has once again stumped the internet.
Social media user @BholanathDutta posted a sum on X, formerly Twitter, and the basic rules of elementary arithmetic have failed the masses.
The problem read: 4+4×4+4
Before you jump into the deep end too quickly and try to find the solution in your head, it’s best to remind yourself of simple math principles so you don’t make a basic mistake.
This sum is a simple lesson in mathematicians’ favorite acronym: PEMDAS.
PEMDAS is frequently taught as a way for up and coming mathletes to remember the correct order in which to solve compound math equations.
It stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, and then Subtraction.
There are no parentheses or exponents so in this solution multiplication comes first. It may feel unnatural to solve from the center, but give it a go and see if you can find the sum in 30 seconds or less.
Social media user @BholanathDutta posted a sum on X, formerly Twitter, and the basic rules of elementary arithmetic have failed the masses
4 x 4 = 16
With one step down, the problem reads:
4+16+4
From there, it’s just simple addition.
4+16= 20
Now we have:
20+4 = 24
Were you able to solve it?
The acronym PEMDAS helps to solve the problem without frustration
There are a couple of easy errors that other wannabe mathematicians fell victim to while trying to get to the bottom of things.
The first is solving the equation left to right, instead of implementing PEMDAS.
4+4=8
8 x 4 = 32
32 + 4 = 36
Another easy mistake to make was putting the addition first. By adding 4+4 on both sides of the equation first the simplified problem would become:
8 x 8 = 64
Unfortunately, this completely mixes up the reliable acronym PEMDAS and leaves the solution unsolved.
How did you do? Were you able to rely on math principles learned decades ago or did you too fall victim to one of these easy errors?
