Controversial maths problem stumps the internet as people can't agree on answer

11 October 2023 , 14:14

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This maths question has divided the internet (stock image) (Image: Getty Images)

There is a maths question that has the internet divided - and only a handful of people can get it right. Let's face it, not everyone is talented when it comes to maths, but this problem has been deemed so complicated that people are arguing over the correct answer.

The account Daily Quiz and Riddles on X, formerly known as Twitter, recently shared the question online, asking people what they thought the answer should be. After people struggled to figure it out, the account retweeted the post, adding: "There are many controversial math questions on the internet, but I strongly don't think this should be one of them."

See if you can figure out the answer (@quiz_riddles/Twitter)

So, what's the supposed tricky equation you ask? It's 6 - 1 x 0 + 2 ÷ 2. Do you think you can figure out the answer? We'll give you a bit of time before we'll then share the best way to determine the answer. It would be best to get yourself a pen and paper to write it out and see how you go.

Some people online believe the answer is seven, some say one, and others deem it to be five, but are any of those theories correct? If you type the equation into Google, it says the answer is seven, but the disagreement comes when you use an old-school calculator, as it says the result is one. So, are either of these correct? When evaluating a numerical expression, you need to perform the operations in the following order.

1. Perform the operations inside the symbols of inclusion (parentheses or brackets) and above and below each fraction bar. Start with the innermost inclusion symbol.
2. Perform all multiplications and divisions in the order in which they appear from left to right.
3. Perform all additions and subtractions in the order in which they appear from left to right."

Therefore, using these rules, we evaluate the given numerical expression as follows:

'I don't want children staying up late at weekends - I really need adult time'

6 - 1 x 0 + 2 ÷ 2 = 6 - 0 + 2 ÷ 2

= 6 - 0 + 1

= 6 + 1

= 7 is the result or final answer.

How did you do? If you're looking for more maths questions to test your knowledge, how about you try and solve the year five maths question that has stumped thousands of adults or this impossible GCSE Maths question?

Did you get the answer right? Let us know in the comments below.

Billie Schwab Dunn