You’ve probably seen it scrolling through your feed. A simple-looking equation:
7 – 2(8 – 4) = ?
The caption screams: “Most people get this wrong!” or “The answer is NOT 6!”
Comments explode with debates: some say 20, others swear it’s -1, and a few confidently claim 6.
So what’s actually going on?
Why is a problem that looks like elementary homework causing chaos online?
Let’s cut through the noise, apply the actual rules of mathematics, and reveal why this puzzle keeps tripping people up.
🧮 The Correct Answer: Step-by-Step
Under standard mathematical convention (PEMDAS/BODMAS), the correct answer is:
✅ -1
Here’s exactly why:
Step 1: Solve Inside the Parentheses
8 – 4 = 4
Equation becomes: 7 – 2(4)
Step 2: Handle the Implied Multiplication
2(4) is mathematical shorthand for 2 × 4.
Multiplication always comes before subtraction.
2 × 4 = 8
Equation becomes: 7 – 8
Step 3: Subtract
7 – 8 = -1
Final Answer:
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