Mathematical puzzles frequently go viral on social media, often accompanied by claims that only a small percentage of people can solve them correctly. Although these challenges may appear complicated, they usually rely on understanding basic mathematical principles rather than advanced calculations. One example that often sparks debate is the expression: 8 + 8 ÷ 8 + 8 × 8. Many people rush to solve it from left to right and end up with the wrong answer.
The key to solving such puzzles lies in following the order of operations, commonly known as BODMAS or PEMDAS. According to this rule, brackets and exponents come first, followed by division and multiplication, and finally addition and subtraction. In the expression above, division and multiplication must be completed before any additions are performed. Ignoring this order is what leads many people to incorrect answers.
Applying the rule step by step makes the process simple. First, calculate 8 ÷ 8, which equals 1. Next, calculate 8 × 8, which equals 64. The original expression then becomes 8 + 1 + 64. Adding those values together produces the final answer of 73. While the puzzle looks tricky at first glance, careful attention to the correct sequence makes it straightforward.
These kinds of brain teasers serve as useful reminders that mathematics depends on following established rules. A small detail, such as the order in which operations are performed, can completely change the outcome. Sometimes, patience and accuracy matter more than speed when searching for the correct answer.
