	AllExperts > Basic Math
	Search

About John Zalewski
Expertise
I can help you solve problems involving fractions, decimals, ratios, and algebra. I can teach you how to do math faster, and even in your head. I can teach math definitions, and help you study, if necessary. Please do not ask any graphing, trigonometry, or calculus questions. Try to work through homework questions before asking for assistance.

Experience
I routinely process numbers of all kinds in my head, without need of a calculator.

Education/Credentials
I was an A math student while in high school.

You are here: Experts > Science > Math for Kids > Basic Math > 2 + 2 / 2= ?

Basic Math - 2 + 2 / 2= ?

Expert: John Zalewski - 4/14/2008

Question
Hello John,

I'm from the UK and have been a friendly argument at work with European colleagues to the answer to this simple equation.

I'm on the side of the answer being 2. There is no instructions to separate the numbers into brackets, so am taking the equation in sequence.

My friend (and also Google) is placing the 2/2 together and creating the answer 3.

I have tried to look at this from the eyes of a 7 year old learning basic maths.

2 Apples + 2 Apples split into 2 groups = 2 Apples each

Could you please share your thoughts and the "grouping rule" if it is true.

I've also found that Google will handle the following equation strangely as well.

2+2+2+2+2+2/2+2+2*2=

2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + (2 / 2) + 2 + (2 * 2) = 17

Why has it grouped, when I gave no instruction to?

Answer
Hello, Andy.

2+2/2

The answer is 3.

To solve this problem, we need to know what the order of operations is. This can be remembered by the sentence "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally."

P = Parentheses

E = Exponents

My, Dear = Multiplication and Division

Aunt, Sally = Addition and Subtraction

According to the order of operations, we first need to perform division. Then we do the addition.

Therefore, we first divide 2 into 2, giving us 1. Then we add 2 and 1 together, giving us an answer of 3.

(2+2)/2 = 2. (Note the parentheses.)

The second problem does equal 17. You need to first divide and multiply, and then add.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
John

Add to this Answer Ask a Question

Email this page