Multiplication and Division take priority and should be solved from left to right.
Addition and Subtraction are handled last, also from left to right.
Breaking Down the Equation
Let’s look at $2 \times 2 – 2 \div 2 + 2$ step-by-step:Step
1: Multiplication. First, we handle $2 \times 2$. That gives us 4.New equation: $4 – 2 \div 2 + 2$Step 2: Division. Next, we address the $2 \div 2$. That gives us 1.New equation: $4 – 1 + 2$Step 3: Subtraction. Working from left to right, we do $4 – 1$. That gives us 3.New equation: $3 + 2$Step 4: Addition. Finally, $3 + 2 = 5$.The correct answer is 5.
Why Do People Get Other Answers?The “Internet’s Answer” is often 3 or 1. Here is how those mistakes happen:The Left-to-Right Trap: If you ignore the rules and just go in order, you get: $2 \times 2 = 4$; $4 – 2 = 2$; $2 \div 2 = 1$; $1 + 2 = 3$. While it feels natural, it’s mathematically incorrect.The Addition First Mistake: Some people try to do the addition at the very end ($1 + 2 = 3$) before doing the subtraction ($4 – 3 = 1$). However, subtraction and addition hold equal weight, so you must move from left to right.
