Simple-looking math problem divides people as they struggle to solve sum - can you remember the 'golden rule'?
The math you thought you would never use again from school is back to haunt you.
X users are in an uproar over an equation that @BholanathDutta posted.
It appears as a simple equation, but the comment section is divided with numbers ranging from 2 to 81.
The equation is: 14 ÷ 7 + 7 X 2 = ?
To solve this equation correctly, you must use the golden rule of PEMDAS, an order of operations typically taught in fifth or sixth grade.
PEMDAS stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, and Subtraction.
The acronym is also remembered by using the phrase 'Please, Excuse, My, Dear, Aunt, Sally' to remind students of the starting letters within the abbreviation.
Now, using PEMDAS, try this equation and remember the order!
Try to solve the equation that has users on X spilt on what the answer is using PEMDAS
If you're having trouble, start with multiplication, as the equation doesn't contain parentheses or exponents.
So, if you multiply 7 and 2, you are left with 14.
Now, flip to the left side of the equation. If we are following the order of operations correctly, the next step is division. Divide 14 by 7, and you are left with 2.
Now the equation should look something like this: 2 + 14.
Now adding the last two numbers together will give you the answer... 16!
If you used PEMDAS correctly 12 should be your final answer
Don't be discouraged if you came up with different answers; many in the comments were arguing with conviction that the answer is 18.
However, that is not correct; you would come up with that answer if you did the problem from left to right, which is how reading is taught correctly, but not math equations such as this one.
18 was by far the second most commented answer.
