Solving the Confusion: The Order of Operations in Basic Math Question Explained

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The expression 6/2(1+2) has caused confusion due to differing results from various calculators. While some sources, including Wolfram Alpha and Google, yield the answer of 9, calculators may return 1 by prioritizing the multiplication over division. The correct approach follows the BODMAS rule, which dictates that operations within brackets should be evaluated first, followed by division and multiplication from left to right. Understanding this order clarifies the discrepancy in results. Ultimately, adhering to the BODMAS rules ensures consistent evaluation of mathematical expressions.
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Okay I saw this on Facebook not long ago and I'm just confused with a really simple question.

The question is basically
6/2(1+2)

Now using my head I get 9, using wolfram alpha I get 9 and also Google gives me 9.

But then I place this into all 3 of my calculators I get the answer of 1.
I'm assuming this is because it does the 2(1+2) part first and then divides 6/6 to get 1.
And I also placed brackets around it to get (6/2)(1+2) which gets me the answer of 9 (thus assuming that it does do it that way).

But shouldn't the order of operations go from left to right? in terms of the multiplication and division?? Am I looking at this wrong?
 
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Hey trustnoone and welcome to the forums.

In short the answer is BODMAS (Brackets Division Multiplication Addition Subtraction)

Basically evaluate all the bracketed terms first and then use the DMAS rules.

Inner brackets get evaluated before outer brackets, but in the end once you evaluate the brackets then you just evaluate the expression using the DMAS ordering.

It doesn't fail and its easy to remember :)

Also if you use things other than arithmetic (like exponentiation) then you need to adjust for that as well.
 

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