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

  • Context: High School 
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of the mathematical expression 6/2(1+2) and the confusion surrounding the order of operations in basic arithmetic. Participants explore different methods of evaluating the expression and the implications of various interpretations.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates 6/2(1+2) as 9, while noting that calculators yield 1, suggesting a difference in how the expression is interpreted.
  • Another participant mentions the BODMAS rule (Brackets, Order, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction) as a guideline for evaluating expressions, emphasizing the importance of evaluating brackets first.
  • There is a suggestion that the order of operations should be followed strictly from left to right for multiplication and division, raising questions about the consistency of this approach.
  • A later reply references a closed thread for further reading, indicating that this topic has been discussed previously.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct interpretation of the expression, with multiple competing views on the application of the order of operations and the resulting answers.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the application of the order of operations, particularly how division and multiplication are handled in the expression. The discussion reflects differing interpretations and the potential for confusion based on calculator outputs.

trustnoone
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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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