A recent online debate has highlighted the ambiguities present in seemingly straightforward mathematical expressions. The equation "8/2*(2+2)" has sparked controversy, with some arguing the correct answer is 1, while others insist it is 16. This disagreement stems from differing interpretations of the order of operations, specifically how multiplication and division are handled when both are present without parenthesis to determine which should be actioned first, with some proceeding left to right after solving the parenthesis and others assuming the 2(4) is a single term.
This has led to arguments about the correct application of PEMDAS (Parenthesis, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction), often taught in schools. Some mathematicians have pointed out that multiplication and division are in fact the same operation, and the same goes for addition and subtraction, suggesting that operations should be resolved in order. The debate underscores the critical importance of clear and unambiguous mathematical notation, with some advocating for the use of fractions to avoid confusion when both division and multiplication are present.