Sometimes the most complicated

Sometimes the most complicated things turn out to be the simplest. We offer you the opportunity to test yourself, name the right answer and refresh your memory of forgotten knowledge from old school textbooks, and the right answer

Sometimes the simplest things turn out to be the most complex, and today we are not talking about the recipe for human happiness or the secrets of atomic nuclei. Let’s instead look at the order of operations using examples we learnt in primary school. These simple mathematical operations should have stayed with us throughout our lives.

However, millions of people on the internet constantly encounter difficulties around very simple mathematical expressions. The amazing variety of answers raises the question of the status of mathematics as an exact science. Let us give you the opportunity to test your knowledge, name the correct answer and revive the lessons from old school textbooks.

When I saw the proposed example on Facebook, I was, frankly, taken aback. Almost 8 million comments on a simple three-action problem? What is there to argue about? It’s maths!

Nevertheless, reality often exceeds the most audacious fantasies. And the responses from social media users are simply baffling. Let’s take a look at some of the most common ones, preserving the structure and style of their authors.

One commenter states, “I think everyone commenting has at least finished 4th grade. Thank goodness I passed. 10 – 10 × 10 + 10 = 0 × 10 +