At first glance, you might rush to divide, multiply, or add in any order, but one small misstep can lead to the wrong answer. The key lies in following the correct order of operations—evaluate inside the parentheses first, then perform division and multiplication from left to right. Think you know the right result? Read on for a clear, step-by-step breakdown to see exactly why this problem often sparks lively debate and what the correct solution really is!
What Answer Did You Get?
Here’s a puzzle that looks easy but often causes controversy:
- 8 ÷ 2 × (5 + 3) = ?
Take a moment to solve it mentally and note down the answer you find. Once you have your result, continue reading to compare your reasoning and see if you match the step-by-step approach below.
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Common Errors
Even simple arithmetic can become tricky if you overlook the proper order of operations. Here are a few pitfalls that lead to the wrong answer:
Neglecting Parentheses
Many people dive straight into the division and multiplication without first adding the numbers inside the parentheses. That initial oversight scrambles the rest of the calculation.
Grouping Multiplication Incorrectly
Some solvers mistakenly treat “2 × (5 + 3)” as a combined unit before dividing 8. In reality, once you replace (5 + 3) with 8, you have both a division and a multiplication at the same level.
Ignoring Left‐to‐Right Rule
In expressions containing both “÷” and “×,” you must work from left to right. Failing to do so—by, for example, multiplying 2 × 8 first—produces an incorrect outcome.
Detailed Breakdown
Calculate Inside the Parentheses
- Step 1: Evaluate (5 + 3)
- (5+3)=8
- Now the equation reads:
- 8÷2×8
Perform Division and Multiplication in Order
- According to standard conventions, handle all division and multiplication as they appear from left to right.
- Step 2: First do 8 ÷ 2 = 4
- Step 3: Then do 4 × 8 = 32
Final Result
- After completing these steps, you end up with: 8÷2×(5+3)=328 ÷ 2 × (5 + 3) = 32
Share Your Thoughts and Keep Practicing
Did your calculation also lead to 32, or did you initially get a different result? Let us know in the comments how you tackled the problem, and whether you found the correct answer on your first try. If you enjoyed this brain-teaser, explore more puzzles on our site to sharpen your math skills and hone your logical thinking. Every problem you solve brings you one step closer to mastering these deceptively simple yet tricky challenges!
