Mathematical puzzle dividing the internet: Can you solve this elementary school equation?

Online mathematical and logical puzzles are incredibly popular. They offer an avenue to test our quick-thinking capabilities and knowledge while practically applying these skills.

A particular type of puzzle that seems straightforward, but often stumps people, deals with the order of operations. One such task that divides internet users is a straightforward equation. Theoretically, even an elementary school student should solve it. Still, many people struggle to deliver the correct result.

8 : 4 (1+1) = ?

The answers most frequently proposed online are 1 and 4, leading to internet users hotly debating which result is correct. Of course, only one side can be right - the correct solution to the presented equation is 4.

So, how can one solve this task? The essential thing to keep in mind is the order of operations. Remember to perform the operation in brackets first: 1+1 equals 2. Then, you undertake the operations in order: divide first, then multiply. Hence, 8:4 equals 2, and 2*2 equals 4.

The challenges aren't limited to online puzzles. Sometimes, even tasks in elementary school textbooks stump adults. This confusion often stems from unclear instructions, leading to the possibility of multiple solutions.

However, multiple solutions do not apply to the task discussed above, which has internet users divided- the order of operations remains consistent.