Have you ever seen a  math problem on the internet that simply did not add up? If so, you are not alone. A math issue went viral a few years back, sparking debate between mathematicians and casual solvers alike. Despite the apparent simplicity of 8 ÷ 2(2 + 2), other solutions were proposed.

Editors from Popular Mechanics were on the committee that decided it was 16. According to PEMDAS, the committee first solved within the parenthesis to get 4, divided 8 by 2 to get 4, and then multiplied 4 to get 16.

However, another group interpreted the statement differently. After solving the parentheses, they estimated the result as 1 using 8 ÷ (2 × 4). They believed that the equation’s form prioritized division, resulting in a clear outcome.

Later, experts chimed in. While 16 is technically correct, the equation’s phrasing is ambiguous, according to Mike Breen of the American  Mathematical Society. Physics professor Rhett Allain proposed simplifying the equation to 8/(2(2 + 2)), which results in a response of one.

Finally, the task highlighted how ambiguity in notation may affect even elementary math by allowing for many interpretations and consequences.