Why does 6/2(1+2) equal 9 or 1?

[bweedon03]

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?

 

[micromass]

Pleeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaase, not again!

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...

 

[gb7nash]

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

That other thread should be stickied or something.

 

[Borek]

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=488334