It looks simple, almost too simple, the kind of problem people solve in seconds and move on, but this one keeps causing arguments, confusion, and completely different answers, because the mistake most people make happens before they even realize it
The problem is right there, 8 ÷ 2(2 + 2), nothing complicated at first glance, just basic math, but the way you approach it changes everything
Most people rush, they either multiply first or divide first without thinking about the full order, and that’s where the split happens
So let’s slow it down properly
First, solve what’s inside the parentheses
2 + 2 = 4
Now the problem becomes
8 ÷ 2(4)
At this point, division and multiplication are treated equally, and you go from left to right
So first
8 ÷ 2 = 4
Then
4 × 4 = 16
That’s the correct answer
16
Not 1
The confusion comes from people treating 2(4) like it must be solved first as a group, but mathematically, once the parentheses are resolved, it follows normal left-to-right rules
That’s why this question keeps going viral, it’s not hard, it’s just easy to misinterpret if you rush
