If the question was: 48/(2(9+3))....then the answer is 2. However, as stated, you work on the parenthesis first, which gives you: 48/2*12. Then, you work from left to right because there are no more parenthesis. 24*12. Answer 288.
Close this thread. 48/2(9+3) Parentheses first. 48/2(12) = 48/2*12 Order of operations says work left to right. 24*12 288
No, it doesn't. There is a single way to interpret this equation. If you get anything other than 288, you are wrong. Parentheses are a substitute for a multiplication sign when there is a number outside of them, i.e. 2(8) = 16. It is exactly the same as writing 2 x 8 = 16. In this instance, order of operations tells us to take care of what is INSIDE the parentheses first. 48÷2(9+3) -> 48÷2(12) At this point, there is nothing left to do in the parentheses, there are no exponents to do, and multiplication and division are done from left to right. ALWAYS. Therefore, 48÷2(12) -> 24(12) 24(12) = 288 There is only one correct answer, and if you feel otherwise, it's only because you find math too confusing to do it correctly.
From what I know, they are not the same. Example: Y = 6, X = 2 [6 / -(2)] = 6 / -2 = -3 [6 / -1(2)] = -6(2) = -12
Forget locking the thread, we should add a poll. Though adding anything may prove confusing for some members here.
I think the confusion is people are saying "PEMDAS" and thinking that multiplication comes before division. It doesn't, necessarily. Multiplication and division are on the same level of precedence. The actual order of precedence : Parentheses Exponents Multiplication & Division Addition & Subtraction When on the same level of precedence, you perform the calculation in order of occurrence (left to right). At least that's how I lurndit!!!
Poll won't help. It will just let you know how many people are wrong and how many are right, not who is wrong and who is right. :grin: Want more "proof"? MATHEMATICA : http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=48÷2(9+3)
For everyone that got two, here's the easiest thing to do, put it into excel exactly the way it's written and tell me what you can get. For programmers, program it EXACTLY the way it's written and tell me what you get. If you still it's two, I hope you don't deal with numbers in your work.
