Viral math problem

TOPIC

So I recently came across the viral math problem on IG

8/2(2+2)=

​

I understand that the mode of operations is not what it used to be. The current standard is:

Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division (left to right), Addition/Subtraction (left to right). Which gives the answer 16. According to the internet (i.e., putting the equation into my search bar), the answer is also 16.

However. I understand that the old model seeming does not do left to right, but multiplication first, then division, then addition, then subtraction. Which gives the answer of 1.

Lo and behold, my calculator ALSO gives 1 as the answer. As I'm a psych student in the process of doing statistics, I am quite concerned that my calculator may inevitably fail me in some of my calculations. So...

Why is my calculator programed with the older version of mode of operations...and how do I change it?

Posted Dec 1, 2023, 11:34 PM UTC

16
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