Keeping the fun of the ‘silly season’ going here’s a little question for you
I wonder what answer you will come up with?
There are two to choose from
but which do you think is the correct one?
What does 8 ÷ 2(2 + 2) = ?
Is it – 8 divided by two…..times- two plus two
OR
Is it – 8 divided by…….two times – two plus two
Answers on a postcard please….
Still Waters 
I think it is brackets first. So 8 divided by 2(4).
But is it 8 divided by 8 (expanding the 2X4) = 1
or 8 divided by 2 times 4 (working left to right) = 16
My son was a maths teacher so I will ask him what the order of operation is.
LikeLike
I disliked algebra intensely and I still do. I cannot find the bracket button on my calculator, so I give up.
I’ve googled the problem and it is explained in a 5.5 minute YouTube clip, which I am not going to watch. The first thing I wondered is why is it (2+2) and not (4)?
LikeLike
I vote for the first. It’s been too many years since I had to understand this.
LikeLike
One sight of an algebraic formula and my ears go back like those of a startled horse…..which will certainly refuse to approach the thing.
LikeLike
It’s not algebra, it’s order of operations.
Brackets first.
8/2×4 = 16
I hope you have a very good year, Cathy
LikeLike
I got zero, but that’s because the division symbol for me is a minus (old and Danish is why). My children set me right and we agreed on the first solution.
And sorry we did not send a postcard, as many others had already commented, and the stamps from here are forbiddingly expensive
LikeLike
Kylie is the Maths Queen for the day… she has the right answer! (and yes, those brackets get figured first!)
Happy New Year!
LikeLike
I was never a great Math student but I think the first is correct.
LikeLike