What Is 8 – 8 * 8 + 8? The Viral Math Problem Solved

The Internet’s Favorite Trap: Decoding $8 – 8 times 8 + 8$

Every few weeks, a simple arithmetic expression pops up on social media, sparking thousands of passionate comments, heated debates, and polar-opposite answers. One classic example of this mathematical mischief is:

$8 – 8 times 8 + 8$

At a glance, it looks like a harmless second-grade math problem. Yet, it routinely divides the internet into two camps: those who arrive at -48, and those who confidently (and incorrectly) shout 0.

So, what is the actual answer, and why does a string of eight-digits cause so much confusion? Let’s break it down step by step.

The Final Verdict

Before we dive into the mechanics, let’s put the suspense to rest. The correct answer to $8 – 8 times 8 + 8$ is -48.

If you got that right on your first try, congratulations! You have a firm grasp of the fundamental rules of arithmetic. If you didn’t, you are in surprisingly good company—thousands fall into the same trap every day.

Why Order Matters: The Rules of PEMDAS/BODMAS

Mathematics is a universal language, but like any language, it requires grammar rules to prevent chaos. If everyone evaluated expressions in whatever order they pleased, $2 + 3 times 4$ could mean either $20$ (if you add first) or $14$ (if you multiply first).

To avoid total mathematical anarchy, the mathematical community established the Order of Operations, commonly remembered by acronyms like PEMDAS or BODMAS:

• P / B: Parentheses / Brackets (evaluate innermost first)
• E / O: Exponents / Orders (powers and roots)
• M & D: Multiplication and Division (evaluated left to right)
• A & S: Addition and Subtraction (evaluated left to right)

Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Problem

Let’s apply these rules to our viral expression:

$$8 – 8 times 8 + 8$$

Step 1: Tackle Multiplication First

Looking at the operations (subtraction, multiplication, addition), multiplication takes precedence over addition and subtraction.

• We look at the central term: $8 times 8 = 64$.
• Substitute that back into the equation, and our expression transforms into:
  $$8 – 64 + 8$$

Step 2: Evaluate Addition and Subtraction from Left to Right

A very common trap here is assuming addition comes before subtraction because of the letters in “PEMDAS”. In reality, multiplication and division share the same priority level (evaluated left to right), and addition and subtraction also share the same priority level (evaluated left to right).

Therefore, we must work strictly from left to right:

1. First, perform the subtraction on the left:
   $$8 – 64 = -56$$
2. Next, perform the final addition:
   $$-56 + 8 = -48$$

And there you have it: -48.

Where Do People Go Wrong? (The Anatomy of a Mistake)

Why do so many people get 0?

1. The Left-to-Right Blindspot: Many readers ignore the order of operations entirely and just read the equation like a book, computing it sequentially: $8 – 8 = 0$, $0 times 8 = 0$, and $0 + 8 = 8$ (or variations thereof).
2. The “Group the Additions” Fallacy: Some people mistakenly think they can group the additions together: $8 – (8 times 8) + 8 rightarrow 8 – 64 + 8$. Recognizing the multiplication is correct, but they might mistakenly calculate $64 + 8$ first, treating it as $8 – (64 + 8) = 8 – 72 = -64$, or making sign errors elsewhere.

Conclusion

Mathematical puzzles like $8 – 8 times 8 + 8$ are delightful reminders of why rules matter. They test our patience, challenge our assumptions, and prove that even the most basic arithmetic can turn into a thrilling mental workout.

Next time you see a math debate lighting up your feed, you’ll know precisely how to cut through the noise with the power of order and logic!