There's a viral meme that 550 ÷ 2 = 225 and it's blowing people's minds
People are flooding to social media because they can't get over 550 divided by two isn't 225.
There's a reason I gave up maths straight away after GCSE's - having done it for 16 years of my life was 16 years too many. As long as I can count the money I need for a packet of crisps and tell what time it is when I wake up and realise I can have an extra 30 minutes in bed in the morning, that's all the maths I'm concerned about needing in my life.
At first glance, I can understand people's outrage and confusion at an equation which has taken over the internet - so much so, it's even become a meme.
But then again, it's just a simple maths division, there's no need to stress about it unless you're sat in your end-of-year exam and realise you've forgotten your calculator. A simple search into Google or type into your phone's calculator reveals mathematics wizards who believe they can do mental maths in the blink of an eye really need to stop trying to show off.
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Much to many people's horror, the equation 550 divided by two does not equal 225 but actually comes to 275.
You can either search it up if you're lazy like me, or break it down: 500 divided by two is 250, 50 divided by two is 25 and so 250 plus 25 is 275.
It's hardly rocket science, but it's still blown some people's minds.
Taking to Twitter on 27 December, 2022, one user wrote: "I was today years old when I found out 550 divided by two is not 225."
"Is 550 divided by two not supposed to be 225? Weird numbers," another said.
A third commented: "Ur telling me 550 divided by two ISNT 225???"
However, others were quick to point out it's fairly obvious if you don't jump the gun and actually take a second to work it out.
One said: "Y'all slow of y’all thought this anyway/ 225 + 225 = 450 . 550 divided by 2 = 275 . 275 + 275 = 550."
"That's 450 bruh xD 550 divided by 2 is 275 and 225 + 225 = 450," another echoed.
A final added: "I know this and that’s why I don’t understand that whole thread of people thinking that was the correct answer. I’m literally blown away by this."
The equation has since become a meme, shared by social media users to express disbelief or shock at something.
And there are other similar equations out there too.
The addition 77 + 33 has also caused a stir, many people - at first glance - believing the sum adds to 100, but soon realising it actually totals 110.
So, despite you rolling your eyes every time your maths teacher told you this, follow their advice and always read the question twice.
Topics: Social Media, Twitter, Viral, Reddit, Education
Poppy Bilderbeck