Simple math problem confuses thousands online

A straightforward mathematical equation, "100 - 50 ÷ 5 × 2," has become a viral sensation, sparking widespread debate and confusion across social media platforms. The problem, which appears elementary, has generated hundreds of different answers, highlighting a common misunderstanding of fundamental arithmetic principles.

The core of the confusion lies in the order of operations, often remembered by acronyms like PEMDAS or BODMAS. This standard mathematical convention dictates the sequence in which calculations should be performed: parentheses/brackets, exponents/orders, multiplication and division (from left to right), and addition and subtraction (from left to right).

Many people incorrectly solve the problem from left to right, leading to an incorrect result. The correct approach involves performing the division and multiplication before the subtraction. This viral challenge serves as a quick test of mental agility and a reminder of the importance of adhering to established mathematical rules. The correct answer, derived by following the order of operations, is 90.