Why 8 Divided by 2 Is Breaking the Internet Again in Viral Math Wars
By Maya Lin-Takahashi
Q1: What is the official correct answer to 8 ÷ 2(2 + 2)?
A1: Under strict primary-school order of operations (standard PEMDAS/BODMAS using left-to-right priority), the answer is 16. However, under academic conventions that assign higher priority to implied multiplication by juxtaposition, the answer is 1. Because the expression is syntactically ill-formed, neither answer is universally authoritative.
Q2: Does PEMDAS say multiplication comes before division?
A2: No. In PEMDAS, multiplication and division have identical operator precedence. They are processed sequentially from left to right as they appear in the expression. The letters M and D could be written as (MD) to reflect their shared rank.
Q3: Why don't modern programming languages return 1 for this problem?
A3: Most major programming languages, such as Python, C++, and Java, do not support multiplication by juxtaposition. If you enter 8 / 2(4), the compiler throws a syntax error. Programmers must explicitly write 8 / 2 * 4, which naturally evaluates left-to-right as 16.0.
Q4: Why does Casio give 1 while Google gives 16?
A4: Google's calculation engine parses strings using standard programming language hierarchy, converting juxtaposed brackets into explicit multiplication of equal rank with division. Many Casio models prioritize implied multiplication to mimic human algebraic practices, grouping the factor with its bracketed terms before applying division.
Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.
