“Either 8 / (2(2+2)) or (8/2)(2+2).”
I will say this, if you read the original equation, as written in the article 8 / (2(2+2)) is correct. In no way does the original question read 8 divided by 2 times 2 plus 2. It clearly reads 8 divided by 2 times 2 plus 2.
It’s not an either/or situation. There is an implied multiplication operator before the parenthesis.
8÷2(2+2) = 8 ÷ 2 x (2 + 2)
= 8 ÷ 2 x 4
= 4 x 4
= 16
Parenthesis are not an operator, they are a grouping notation to specify that an operation should be performed outside of its natural order.