For all of you using calculators or excel as proof, that does not work. Calculators make assumptions for what you mean. Two different calculators can give you two different answers when order of operations is involved. The proof is in that no where does it say in the order of operations that something outside of brackets has precedent. The rule specifically mentions inside the brackets. It says Multiplication/Division are treated the same and go in order from left to right. That is what the rules say. If this many people are confused by the operation, than the operation should have further clarification.
2 Even if you consider multiplication and division on the same level in the order of operations, technically 2(12) still has paranthesis.
Parentheses only matters for what is inside them in terms of the order of operations, not what is outside of them.
I come from the school of thought where you need to eliminate the parentheses first. Which is why a - symbol or any positive number is the same to me. 48 / 2 (9+3)... P E M D A S.. The choice is clear in this step, address the addition in the parenethesis. 48 / 2 (12) ... (P E M D A S) or (P E M D A S) is the issue here... 2 lines of thinking: 1. Is it 48 / 2 * (12) aka 48 / 2 * 1(12) aka (48 / 2)(12)? or 2. Is it 48 / [2(12)]? If you choose 1, you believe that it is logical to add a parentheses between the (48 / 2). If you choose 2, you believe that it is logical to add a parentheses/bracket between the [2(12)] OR you believe that the 2 attached to the parentheses is still considered the highest priority (which is why i made the argument that "-" and "-1" are one and the same). Here we are, adding parentheses when you have one generation being taught PMDAS and another PEMDAS. This is why you make a better formula.
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I find it hilarious of the notion that a whole generation of people were taught different fundamentals of basic algebra.
Are some of you really that stupid? there is nothing confusing about the equation, it is something that would be given on a 4th grade quiz
Even if older generations were taught different, I still think you stick to whatever is being taught presently. You don't see science classes still teaching that the earth is flat.
If it's PEMDAS, then the answer is 2. Adding paranthesis at all during the equation alters everything. 48÷2(9+3) 1. Do the paranthesis (9+3) = (12) At this point, the equation is 48÷2(12) 2. In PEMDAS, multiclation is before division, so you multiply 2(12) = 24 At this point, the equation is 48÷24 3. Solve 48÷24 = 2 The Rockets have 2 championships total. So it is a sign that 2 is the correct answer.
Just asked 4 highly educated friends (lawyer, accountant, programmer, financial analyst). All 4 of them answered 2.
Why would you choose the parenthesis. Their is no function in the parenthesis to solve so it wouldn't even be an option. Take for example 4-2+(5) That's like saying the issue is P E M D A S or P E M D A S when it's obvious you have to subtract first.
I find this whole thread very disturbing for engineering, accounting and any other field that uses math.
