Solve 6/2(1+2): Debate on Facebook

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter bweedon03
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the expression 6/2(1+2) and how it should be evaluated. Participants are debating the correct application of the Order of Operations in this context, with differing interpretations leading to conflicting conclusions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant believes the expression evaluates to 9, arguing that it simplifies to 6/2*3 and follows the left-to-right rule for multiplication and division.
  • Another participant asserts that there is only one correct way to evaluate the expression, claiming it simplifies to 3(1+2)=9, and dismisses other interpretations as unmathematical.
  • A third participant expresses skepticism about the longevity of the debate, suggesting that it is a recurring topic that may never reach a resolution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to agree on the evaluation of the expression, with multiple competing views remaining unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the Order of Operations and the need for parentheses to clarify the expression, indicating that assumptions about the expression's structure may influence interpretations.

bweedon03
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This question is on Facebook and my friends and I are in a debate. I believe it is 9 and others think that it is 1. For it to be it should have another set of parenthesis and it would look like 6/(2(1+2)). The way I see it, it would simplify to 6/2*3 and according to Order of Operations, multiplication and Division have equal presidence so you do the problem from left to right. Any other opinions?
 
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Pleeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaase, not again! :cry:

To make it clear once and for all: there is only ONE way to evaluate that expression using the mathematical rules, and that is 6/2(1+2)=3(1+2)=9. All other ways are unmathematical...
 


It's no use micromass. This topic will never die. :smile:

That other thread should be stickied or something.
 

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