Simple(?) algebra problem

[MoShawn]

Apparently simple algebra problem posted on another site with very conflicting answers. Any thoughts?

48÷2(9+3)

[Guest IluvNewComp]

Parentheses first.

Then exponents.

Then multiplications or divisions from left to right.

Then additions or subtractions from left to right.

(PEMDAS)

(9+3) = 12

2(12) = 24

48 / 24 = 2

[Andy the Actuary]

Since there is no "x" operator, multiplication is assumed in "2(9+3)

In such case, 48/2(9+3) = 48/2x(9+3)=48/2x12=24x12=288

[GMK]

Based on the rules in post #2, which are correct, AtA's answer is correct (but there were no votes for 288 yet).

[MoJo]

Based on the rules in post #2, which are correct, AtA's answer is correct (but there were no votes for 288 yet).

It's Friday. I have a headache. I doubt any of my HS algebra teachers are still alive to verify.... Nonetheless, I voted for "2" then read AtA's application of the "rules" and decided I now have a bigger headache. Bottom line, Mr. Bill Gates says 288 (isn't this why we have Excel in the first place?)

[Guest IluvNewComp]

Parentheses first.

+

Then exponents.

Then multiplications or divisions from left to right.

Then additions or subtractions from left to right.

(PEMDAS)

(9+3) = 12

2(12) = 24

48 / 24 = 2

I screwed up.

(9+3) = 12

then:

48 / 2 = 24

Then 24(12) or 24 x 12 = 288

My logic was correct, but execution was pee poor. Changing vote.

[Tom Poje]

I asked the actuary.

he simply said "What do you want the answer to be?"

[MoShawn]

I'm now thinking it depends upon your interpretation:

48

-------

2(9+3)

*or*

48

--- x (9+3)

2

[GMK]

I'm now thinking it depends upon your interpretation:

Nope. The rules in post #2 are the rules.

If the equation doesn't say what you mean, add clarifying parentheses.

[Guest IluvNewComp]

Order of Operations

[masteff]

I screwed up.

(9+3) = 12

then:

48 / 2 = 24

Then 24(12) or 24 x 12 = 288

My logic was correct, but execution was pee poor. Changing vote.

ILuv caught their own mistake; you complete inside the parenthesis first but then then follow the rules for completing outside them. 288 is correct.

And I'd rephrase SMMoran's statement to "It depends on presentation". If components are divided vertically, then that gives you implied parenthesis. But lacking vertical separation, then you take it strictly as shown.

Here's Google's answer: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&sou...mp;aql=&oq=

[oriecat]

My recollection was that multiplication was always done first. If I hadn't already gotten rid of it, I would be ashamed to still have my high school senior math award.

[Guest Tom:]

How many votes were found in Waukeshaw? Answer: 14,000.

[Tom Poje]

oriecat:

that's just a myth

when you have both division and multiplication.

for what is division but the inverse of multiplication?

so you could have rewritten the equations as

48 * [1/2] * (9 + 3)

[Belgarath]

According to Deep Thought, the answer would be 42.

On a parenthetical note (pun intended) there's a bar in Ottawa named Zaphod Beeblebrox.

The only math award I ever won in high school was the highest percentage of unexcused absences while still graduating...

[masteff]

According to Deep Thought, the answer would be 42.

I vote for Belgarath's answer!!! Don't Panic!!!

Regarding people who answer "2", my aunt, the retired math teacher said: "That's because they were taught (not in my class!!) to write PEMDAS at the top of their papers--to which I'd have to say over and over remember "in the order in which they come" for mult and div as well as add and sub." So there's your official high school math teacher reprimand!

Edit:

This is funny

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wv19iAncrrQ

PS: this is all over the internet today: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=+...29&nocalc=1

[david rigby]

Pi

[Jim Norman]

Don't we have to ask Carol Zimmerman first?