One Is Not the Right Answer: A Tricky Math Puzzle Solved

Puzzles and brain teasers often seem simple on the surface but can leave us scratching our heads when it comes to finding the right answer. One such problem is the expression: 55/55= ? At first glance, this seems like basic math, but getting the correct answer requires careful attention to detail. The answer is not as straightforward as it might appear.

Let’s break it down step by step to understand where things can go wrong and why 1 is not the right answer for this particular math equation.

Breaking Down the Problem

The expression we are looking at is: 55/55. The issue comes when we fail to follow the proper order of operations, also known as PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, and Subtraction). In this equation, multiplication and division are performed from left to right, without giving priority to one over the other.

Step-by-Step Solution

1. Start with the first multiplication: 5*5.
   • This gives us 25.
2. Next, move on to the division: 25/5.
   • Dividing 25 by 5 equals 5.
3. Finally, perform the second multiplication: 5*5.
   • The result is 25.

Therefore, the final answer to the expression 55/55 is 25.

Why People Think the Answer Is 1

Some people mistakenly calculate the equation as if the division occurs before both multiplications. They might read the equation like this:

• First, they calculate 5/5, which equals 1.
• Then, they perform the multiplication 515, which equals 25.
• Finally, they simplify this to 1, thinking that all the multiplications somehow reduce the equation to a single unit.

This approach, however, doesn’t follow the correct order of operations. When people jump to the conclusion that 1 is the answer, they are missing a critical step in the process.

The Importance of PEMDAS

Math equations, especially those involving more than one operation, must be solved using the correct sequence of steps. PEMDAS ensures that the equation is solved accurately by providing a clear set of rules:

1. Parentheses first.
2. Exponents next.
3. Multiplication and division, from left to right.
4. Addition and subtraction, also from left to right.

In the case of 55/55, skipping any of these steps or rearranging the order will lead to an incorrect answer.

Conclusion: Attention to Detail Is Key

In conclusion, the correct answer to the equation 55/55 is 25, not 1. This example demonstrates the importance of following the proper order of operations when solving math problems. Always remember that paying attention to details can prevent simple mistakes and ensure the accuracy of your solution.