[Enterprise]

We were also taught to factor the numbers, with 8 being the top number and 2(2+2) being the bottom number. When we take 8/2(2+2) it becomes thus:

_____8______
___2(2+2)___

Divide 8 by the multiplier 2 and the result is:

_____4______
____(2+2)___

Then:

_____4______
_____4______

The result being 1.

Using factoring you cannot possibly come up with an answer of 16.

I am neither a teacher nor a mathematician. I am in total agreement with you that weasels can take a basic equation like this and try to confuse someone. Going back to what I posted, for the answer to come out to 16 the equation cannot be written as 8/2(2+2). I would sit down with the person if it was possible, and write it out, as above, to show where the misconception is, and suggest they take an algebra class.

[SgtHooper]

Exactly correct! It is a numerator-denominator issue first!

[dayglored]

I think the "weaselly" aspect of the problem as stated is that the slash '/' causes the eye to imagine that it's written in fractional notation. Using the divide symbol '÷' would be less troublesome in this regard.

Now, if the slash were large, and the '8' was written higher, then the fractional nature would have been more evident:

8 /
 / 2(2+2)

But then it wouldn't be confusing, and it wouldn't go viral.

I file this viral "conundrum" under: "Play stupid games, win stupid prizes." I.e. IMO it's just a poorly and confusingly stated, and thus stupid, problem.

Makes about as much sense as:
Q: "What is the difference between a duck?"
A: "Because one feet is both the same."

:-)