How Can Adding a Single Digit Twice Solve the Equation 16 x 2 = 8?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the equation 16 x 2 = 8 and how adding a single digit twice can make the equation true. Participants explore different interpretations and solutions to this problem, which appears to stem from a puzzle or IQ test context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that inserting the digit 2 twice results in the equation 16 x 2 = 2 x 2 x 8, claiming this makes it true.
  • Another participant argues that using the digit 3 is questionable, proposing an alternative interpretation where 16 x 32 = 8^3.
  • A third participant expresses skepticism about the validity of the problem, indicating it may not be a serious mathematical challenge.
  • Another proposed solution involves inserting the digit 2 to form 16 x 22 = 82.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the validity of the proposed solutions, with multiple competing interpretations and a general sense of skepticism about the problem's legitimacy.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the ambiguity in the problem's phrasing and the unconventional nature of the solutions proposed, which may depend on subjective interpretations of "adding" a digit.

martix
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Add the same digit twice in the following equation so that it becomes true. There are two possible solutions for this problem. Which are they? 16 x 2 = 8
I don't get it...
What are you supposed to do?
Right answers apparently are 2 and 3.
 
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16 times 2 is, in fact, 32 which is 4 times 8 so one possible answer us 16 x 2=2 x 2 x 8 where I have "added" ("inserted" would have been a better word) the digit 2 twice.

Using "3" is a bit of a stretch. [itex]16*32= 8^3[/itex]
 
The whole problem is a bit of a stretch on the boundaries on reason...
Eh well... thanks anyway.

This was from some half-assed IQ test I encountered btw.
 
other answer:

16 x 22 = 82
 

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