Grade school math problem confuses people but the answer is actually easy - can you solve it in 30 seconds?
A seemingly simple math problem has left social media users confused as they argue over the correct answer.
The equation, shared by user @BholanathDutta on X, appears simple enough for grade school students - but users were left with different answers.
The problem reads: 4 - (4 ÷ 4) x 2 = ?
Can you solve the problem within 30 seconds?
At first glance, it looks like basic arithmetic that a typical middle schooler could solve.
Yet users commented conflicting answers, causing a debate.
The majority of respondents confidently answered 2, while others wrote that they believed the correct answer to be -2.
The confusion stems from a simple math rule - the order of operations.
The acronym PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction) determines which calculations to perform first in math equations.
It's important to break down the problem step by step.
4 - (4 ÷ 4) x 2 = ?
First, solve what's inside the parentheses: 4 ÷ 4 = 1
This gives us: 4 - 1 x 2
Next, perform the multiplication: 1 x 2 = 2
Finally, subtract: 4 - 2 = 2
The correct answer is 2.
Those who arrived at -2 likely made the mistake of working from left to right without following the proper order of operations.
Others could have calculated: 4 - 4 = 0, then 0 ÷ 4 = 0, then 0 x 2 = 0, giving them an incorrect final answer.
This type of math puzzle regularly goes viral on social media platforms.
Last week, @BholanathDutta shared another math riddle with followers, asking 'Can you solve this #math' alongside an image decorated with colorful flowers.
The post shows a calculation that looks simple: 500 + 450 ÷ 5.
The post has now been viewed more than 3,000 times, with dozens of commenters sharing their answers.
But not everyone agrees on the solution.
The overwhelming majority of respondents believe the answer is 590, with many users showing their working to prove their point.
One user methodically explained their approach.
They wrote: '500 + 450 ÷ 5 = ? 450 ÷ 5 = 90, 500 + 90 = 590.'
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