I used to think that, but answer me this
8 / 2(2+2) =
I say it = 1 but consensus says I am wrong
https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/math/a28569610/viral-math-problem-2019-solved/
8 / ( 2 * (2 + 2) ) = 1
In this case the "consensus" is about the rules of order of operations. Under the set of rules I learned, the correct answer is 16.
Note that if the problem had been written using fractional notation it would have been obvious immediately which interpretation was intended.
And FWIW, the above is a good example of why I prefer calculators that use RPN (Reverse Polish Notation, XY+) to AN (Algebraic Notation, X+Y). RPN is unambiguous and does not require parentheses; it's also the way computers actually do arithmetic operations (get X, get Y, add them).
You are right. The answer is one. The way we were taught is that 8 is divided by a number. But what is that number? It is 2(2+2). Before you can divide 8 by the second number you have to determine its value, which is 8. If you separate the first 2 from the equation, it becomes a different equation with a different answer. For them to come up with 16 the question would have to read what is 8/2 X (2+2).