It looks like an ordinary math problem at first glance, but sometimes the simplest lines of numbers can spark the loudest arguments.
That’s exactly what’s happening online right now with a seemingly “easy” equation. One group swears the answer is one thing, another group insists it’s completely different. And yet, both sides are convinced they’re right. Are you ready to see which camp you fall into?
A simple math problem has unexpectedly divided the internet, igniting debates across social media. The expression causing all the controversy is:
20 ÷ 5(2 + 2)
People are split. Some confidently say the answer is 16, while others argue it must be 1. The disagreement comes down to interpretation of the order of operations, particularly when division and multiplication appear side by side without extra parentheses.
The math itself isn’t difficult, but the way the problem is written leaves room for two valid approaches. Depending on whether you interpret it as 20 ÷ [5 × (2 + 2)] or as [20 ÷ 5] × (2 + 2), you end up with drastically different results.
Teachers, students, and casual social media users alike have joined the conversation, passionately defending their methods. The debate has grown beyond a simple classroom exercise—it has become a viral discussion about how notation, context, and convention can shape the answers we arrive at.
So, what do you get when you solve it? And more importantly, are you in the majority, or in the minority?
Conclusion
This viral math problem demonstrates that even basic arithmetic can cause intense disagreement. It highlights the importance of clear notation and careful reading, as tiny ambiguities can lead to vastly different results. More than just numbers, it’s a lesson in perspective, communication, and the subtle complexities hidden in seemingly simple problems.