The Mysterious Calculation: 10-10x10+10=-80? How?
Have you ever seen a calculation that seems to defy the laws of mathematics? A calculation that makes you wonder if the person who came up with it was having a laugh? Well, today, we're going to explore one such calculation that has been making the rounds on the internet: 10-10x10+10=-80. Yes, you read that right! So, how does this work? Or does it?
The Initial Reaction
At first glance, this calculation seems ridiculous. We're talking about basic arithmetic operations here, and the result is just... wrong. The natural response is to question the sanity of the person who came up with this calculation. But, let's take a step back and try to understand what's going on here.
Breaking Down the Calculation
Let's break down the calculation step by step:
- 10-10x10: This is the first part of the calculation. If we follow the order of operations (PEMDAS), we need to calculate the multiplication first. 10x10 is equal to 100. So, the equation becomes:
- 10 - 100 = -90
- -90 + 10: Now, we add 10 to -90, which gives us: = -80
Wait, what? The calculation actually works out! But, how?
The Catch
Here's the thing: this calculation relies on a clever play on notation. The x in 10x10 is not just a multiplication symbol; it's also a notation for "times". In this case, it's being used to indicate that 10 is being multiplied by 10.
However, if we interpret the calculation literally, without understanding the notation, we get a completely different result. The calculation becomes a simple arithmetic operation, where 10 is being subtracted by 10, and then 10 is being added back in, resulting in... 10!
Conclusion
So, is the calculation 10-10x10+10=-80 correct? Well, it depends on how you interpret it. If you understand the notation correctly, then yes, the calculation works out. But, if you take it literally, it's just plain wrong.
This calculation is a great example of how important it is to understand the notation and context of a mathematical expression. It's also a reminder that, sometimes, what seems ridiculous at first glance can actually have a clever explanation behind it.
So, the next time you see a calculation that seems too good (or bad) to be true, take a step back, and try to understand what's really going on. You never know, you might just learn something new!
