An apparently simple mathematics problem has left confused social media users as they compete for the right answer.
The equation, shared by the user @Bholanathdutta On X, seems simple enough for primary school students – but users found themselves with different answers.
The problem is read as follows: 4 – (4 ÷ 4) x 2 =?
Can you solve the issue Within 30 seconds?
At first glance, it looks like a basic arithmetic that a typical college could solve.
However, users commented on contradictory responses, provoking a debate.
The majority of respondents responded with confidence 2, while others wrote that they thought that the right answer was -2.
Confusion stems from a simple mathematical rule – the order of operations.
The equation, shared by the user @bholanathdutta on X, seems quite simple for students in primary schools – but users found themselves with different answers. The problem is read as follows: 4 – (4 ÷ 4) x 2 =?
The acronym PEMDAS (parentheses, exhibitors, multiplication and division, addition and subtraction) determines the calculations to be carried out first in mathematical equations.
It is important to break the problem step by step.
4 – (4 ÷ 4) x 2 =?
First of all, solve what is inside the parentheses: 4 ÷ 4 = 1
This gives us: 4 – 1 x 2
Then perform the multiplication: 1 x 2 = 2
Finally, subtract: 4 – 2 = 2
The right answer is 2.
Those who arrived at -2 probably made the mistake of working from left to right without following the order of the appropriate operations.
Others could have calculated: 4 – 4 = 0, then 0 ÷ 4 = 0, then 0 x 2 = 0, giving them an incorrect final response.
This type of Mathematics puzzle Virally becomes viral on social media platforms.
First of all, solve what there is inside the parentheses: 4 ÷ 4 = 1 This gives us: 4 – 1 x 2 Next, perform the multiplication: 1 x 2 = 2 finally, subtracted: 4 – 2 = 2 The correct answer is 2
Last week, @Bholanathdutta shared another mathematical enigma with subscribers, asking “can you resolve this #math” alongside a colorful image.
The post shows a calculation that seems simple: 500 + 450 ÷ 5.
The message has now been viewed more than 3,000 times, with dozens of commentators sharing their answers.
But not everyone agrees on the solution.
The overwhelming majority of respondents think that the answer is 590, many users showing their work to prove their point.
A user methodically explained his approach.
They wrote: ‘500 + 450 ÷ 5 =? 450 ÷ 5 = 90, 500 + 90 = 590. ‘
