MHB How should I interpret a formula without brackets?

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The formula '1.2 . h - 0.2 . x' should be interpreted as '(1.2 . h) - (0.2 . x)' according to the order of operations defined by PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction). The discussion emphasizes that multiplication should be clearly defined and suggests avoiding the use of the dot (.) for multiplication to prevent ambiguity. Participants Zamb and Dan confirm the interpretation while cautioning against unclear notation.

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Hi all,

I have a formula which i might have expected to have brackets, but it hasn't, so i need to correctly interpret it.

Could anyone please offer any pointers as to how it should read?

The formula is '1.2 . h - 0.2 . x'

Can i assume that it should be '(1.2 . h) - (0.2 . x)'?

Thanks

Zamb
 
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You don't really need to "assume" that. Remember "PEMDAS" ("Please Excuse my dear aunt Sally")- Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtration. Multiplication and division have precedence over addition and subtraction.
 
Samwise-zambeezi said:
Hi all,

I have a formula which i might have expected to have brackets, but it hasn't, so i need to correctly interpret it.

Could anyone please offer any pointers as to how it should read?

The formula is '1.2 . h - 0.2 . x'

Can i assume that it should be '(1.2 . h) - (0.2 . x)'?

Thanks

Zamb
To be a bit more direct,.. Yes, that would be correct. However I still don't like it because it really reads 1*2*h - 0*2*x. Never use "." for multiplication unless you have defined it unambiguously!

-Dan
 
Hi both,

thanks a lot for your feedback, much appreciated,

Zambeezi
 

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