At first glance, this math puzzle looks extremely simple. But surprisingly, many people get it wrong because they rush through the calculation without carefully considering the order of operations.

The problem shown in the image is:

16 ÷ 4(4)

Thousands of people online have debated the correct answer to this expression. Some confidently say the answer is 1, while others insist it must be 16. So which one is actually correct?

The confusion happens because many people forget one important rule from basic mathematics: the order of operations. In math, calculations are performed using a standard sequence often remembered by the acronym PEMDAS — Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, and Division (from left to right), followed by Addition and Subtraction.

When we apply that rule here, the parentheses simply indicate the number 4, so the equation becomes:

16 ÷ 4 × 4

Since multiplication and division are solved from left to right, we first calculate:

16 ÷ 4 = 4

Then:

4 × 4 = 16

So the correct answer is 16.

This puzzle is a great example of how easily our brains can jump to conclusions when we see familiar numbers. Sometimes slowing down and following the correct mathematical steps makes all the difference.

Did you get the correct answer on your first try?