What Is 8 – 8 * 8 + 8? The Correct Answer Revealed

Decoding the Order of Operations: What Really Happens in $8 – 8 times 8 + 8$?

If you’ve spent any time scrolling through social media, you’ve probably stumbled across a math problem designed to spark massive arguments in the comment section. Simple-looking equations like $8 – 8 times 8 + 8$ look harmless at first glance, but they routinely divide the internet.

Let’s break down this expression step-by-step to find the correct answer and see why order matters so much in math!

The Common Trap

When people get this wrong, it’s usually because they read the equation strictly from left to right like a book:

1. $8 – 8 = 0$
2. $0 times 8 = 0$
3. $0 + 8 = 8$

While reading left-to-right works for text, mathematics has strict rules of engagement known as the order of operations.

The Golden Rule: PEMDAS / BODMAS

To solve any multi-step math problem correctly, mathematicians worldwide use a universal set of rules acronymized as PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication & Division, Addition & Subtraction) or BODMAS.

The key takeaway for our equation is this: Multiplication and Division always take priority over Addition and Subtraction.

Let’s tackle $8 – 8 times 8 + 8$ using the proper rules:

Step 1: Handle the Multiplication

First, we isolate the multiplication part of the expression:

• $8 times 8 = 64$

Now substitute that back into our equation, which transforms it into:
$$8 – 64 + 8$$

Step 2: Addition and Subtraction (Left to Right)

Now that we only have subtraction and addition left, we evaluate them strictly from left to right:

1. First, $8 – 64 = -56$
2. Next, $-56 + 8 = -48$

The Final Verdict

The correct answer to $8 – 8 times 8 + 8$ is $-48$.

Next time you see a trick math equation pop up online, you’ll be ready to spot the hidden traps, apply the order of operations, and set the record straight!