8÷2(2+2)

The math problem is 8÷2(2+2) and it seems to be trending all over the place, especially Facebook. Also written as 8/2(2+2), when you enter this problem into a calculator, you will get 16; however, that answer is incorrect. You see, every single time you solve any problem in mathematics, you must follow the Order of Operations. Commonly known as PEMDAS here in the United States (and BEMDAS in other parts of the world) it is crucial to follow this rule and apply it accordingly.

PEMDAS simply stands for Parenthesis, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, and Subtraction. As an easy way to remember this, my teacher in 5th grade use to say "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally" which was the way to remember this particular rule. But the question remains, how do you solve this particular problem?

As a mathematical rule, you must do what it is in parenthesis first. 2+2=4. (4) is your answer. There are no exponents, so you can skip this particular step. Now, you must go back to the beginning and apply the multiplication rule. Because the 8÷2 doesn't contain parenthesis, you must take 2(4) which is simply 2 x 4. Your answer will turn to 8.

Then, going back to the beginning of the problem, you must divide the first 8 into 2 x 4=8. This will give you one.

8÷2(2+2) is 8÷2(4) = P
No Exponents 
8÷2(4) 2 x 4 = 8 = M
8÷8 = 1 = D
No Addition
No Subtraction 

If the problem were written (8÷2)(2+2) your answer would be 16, as any linear problem would be solved, left-to-right. Every time you see a number and a () around another number, this represents multiplication. 2 x 4=8. 

But because there are parenthesis representing only the 2+2, your answer is one.

The final answer is 1.