It’s surprising to see such passionate debate about a math subject in an era when social media is overflowing with acrimonious disputes. However, only one equation was capable of accomplishing this.
In 2019, an apparently easy math issue went viral on social media, igniting what some described as a “civil war” within Popular Mechanics’ corporate offices.
This situation evolved from simple mathematics to a cultural event that showcased the various ways individuals understand the law and the passionate arguments they make in favor of their beliefs.
Let’s examine the technical aspects to understand the factors contributing to this mathematical challenge.
Math may be tough at times.
Please consider the following problem: 8 ÷ 2(2 + 2)
It looks simple at first, but that impression might be deceptive. The answer might be 1 or 16, depending on how you use the sequence of operations.
The Justification for 16
In accordance with the PEMDAS/BODMAS rule (Parentheses/Brackets, Exponents/Orders, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction), we should approach the equation in the order suggested by the acronym, starting with parentheses, then exponents, and working our way from left to right.
This means that we can get 8 ÷ 2 x 4 by first solving the 2 + 2 in parentheses. After that, we focus on the operation on the left, completing 8 ÷ 2 before moving to 2 x 4.
Since this equation provides 4, we obtain 4 x 4, which is 16.
2 + 2 = 4; 8 ÷ 4 = 4.
4 x 4 = 16.
Many members of the online community, including highly competent mathematicians, disagree with this viewpoint.
The language is confusing, according to Mike Breen of the American Mathematical Society Public Awareness Office.
“In mathematics, ambiguities often arise,” Breen noted when working with Popular Mechanics to answer this equation. The purpose of mathematicians is to offer clear laws. The answer, according to the strict order of operations, is 16, but I wouldn’t berate someone for claiming 1.
oomfies solve this pic.twitter.com/0RO5zTJjKk
— ❦ (@pjmdolI) July 28, 2019
The argument for one was presented. How did they determine that the answer was one?
Although the team followed the PEMDAS guidelines, they understood them differently. They agreed that the 2 + 2 in parentheses should be computed first, but they argued that the total should be understood as if it were in parentheses. This rewrites the equation as 8 ÷ 2(4), which yields 1.
Rhett Allain, Ph.D., an associate professor of physics at Southeastern Louisiana University, responds to this crucial issue by comparing it to the well-known question, “What color is this dress?” Is it gold and white, or is it blue and black?
According to Rhett, the correct answer is 16.
This discussion is about conventions, not mathematics. There are rules for mathematical expressions, just like there are for writing. However, there are distinctions. While some prefer the term “grey,” others spell it “gray.” “We still understand the meaning,” he says. To avoid misconceptions, I would explain the context more clearly. Nobody can misread it in that manner.
There is no doubting that math has never been more complex or exciting, whether you support team 16 or team 1. Which side are you on, then? Leave a comment with your suggestions!