A seemingly straightforward math problem has sparked a debate online, leaving social media users scratching their heads in confusion.
The deceptively simple equation that would typically be given to a fifth grader has gone viral after it was shared by user @BholanathDutta on X (formerly Twitter).
He posted a photo of the equation alongside the caption: ‘Can you SOLVE this? #math’.
The problem in question? 10×2÷4−2.
What should be a basic calculation has some users confused, with commenters confidently posting contradicting answers.
‘The answer is an easy 3, you can do it in your head,’ declared one user, seemingly unimpressed by the challenge.
Indeed, the majority of commenters agreed that 3 is the correct solution – though others boldly claimed the answer was actually 10.
Now, let’s take a look at the equation that caused all the confusion.
So what is the correct answer?
A seemingly straightforward math problem has sparked a debate online, leaving social media users scratching their heads in confusion
To solve it you have to follow the standard order of operations – commonly remembered as PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction).
Others may have learned it as BODMAS (Brackets, Orders, Division/Multiplication, Addition/Subtraction).
Regardless, the calculation must be performed in a specific sequence.
Try solving it yourself before reading ahead:
First, perform the multiplication: 10 × 2 = 20
Then, handle the division: 20 ÷ 4 = 5
Finally, do the subtraction: 5 − 2 = 3
According to mathematical experts, the correct answer is indeed 3.
The confusion often arises when people forget the proper order of operations, instead solving equations from left to right.
He posted a photo of the equation alongside the caption: ‘Can you SOLVE this? #math’. The problem in question? 10×2÷4−2
First, perform the multiplication: 10 × 2 = 20 Then, handle the division: 20 ÷ 4 = 5 Finally, do the subtraction: 5 − 2 = 3
To solve this kind of equation correctly, you need to follow the PEMDAS rule – a foundational concept typically taught in fifth or sixth grade under the Common Core Curriculum.
PEMDAS is an acronym that outlines the correct sequence for solving math problems. Parentheses (P) come first, followed by exponents (E), then multiplication (M) and division (D) (from left to right), and finally addition (A) and subtraction (S)(also from left to right).
