48÷2(9+3) = ????

[Z-man]

As seen on Rennlist and some other forums around the globe:

48÷2(9+3) = ????

Please answer poll before adding comments.

-Z-man.

[Por_sha911]

I remember that the first rule was always do the operation inside the parenthesis first. IIRC, the next would be multiplying the # inside the parenthesis by two before doing the division. Sort of like 48/2x (with x=9+3) so I vote for a final answer of 2.
That is my final answer.

[Por_sha911]

Whatever you do, don't divide by zero or the universe will implode.

[A930Rocket]

I'm sticking to 2 after consulting my high school junior.

[peppy]

If you work the problem from left to right using basic algebra the answer is 288, if you over think it the answer is 2.

[emcon5]

This reminds me of the SNL skit "Common Knowledge"

[Hugh R]

I get 2

[Schumi]

PEMDAS.


This is third grade math, idiots.

[Neilk]

I still remember (P)lease(E)xcuse(M)y(D)ear(A)unt(S)ally from Mr Neuburger's 9th grade algebra class.
Parenthese
Exponents
Multiply
Divide
Add
Subtract...

so answer should be 2.

[Noah930]

How is this even a serious question? The answer is 2.

[legion]

[RANDY P]

Hierachy.

288.

[Tishabet]

Originally Posted by Schumi

PEMDAS.


This is third grade math, idiots.

You covered order of operations in third grade?

[peppy]

Order of Operations - PEMDAS

Note: in the UK they say BODMAS (Brackets,Orders,Divide,Multiply,Add,Subtract), and in Canada they say BEDMAS (Brackets,Exponents,Divide,Multiply,Add,Subtract). It all means the same thing! It doesn't really matter how you remember it, just so long as you get it right.

Multiplication does not take precedence over division.

[carambola]

48÷2(9+3)=
48÷2(12)=
24(12)=
24*12=
288

[Hodgey]

Originally Posted by Neilk

I still remember (P)lease(E)xcuse(M)y(D)ear(A)unt(S)ally from Mr Neuburger's 9th grade algebra class.
Parenthese
Exponents
Multiply
Divide
Add
Subtract...

so answer should be 2.

Same name.....same answer......Neil ......2

[TimT]

The division symbol is confusing..

why not write the problem in a manner that is more easily understood..

[LeeH]

I'm thinking... everything on the left of the division sign = numerator. To the right = denominator:

48÷2(9+3)
48/2(9+3)
48/2(12)
48/24
2

[kaisen]

How can it NOT be 2???

Have they changed math in the twenty five years or so since I'd learned this?

[emcon5]

Originally Posted by Neilk

I still remember (P)lease(E)xcuse(M)y(D)ear(A)unt(S)ally from Mr Neuburger's 9th grade algebra class.
Parenthese
Exponents
Multiply
Divide
Add
Subtract...

so answer should be 2.

It should be like this:

Parenthese
Exponents
Multiply/Divide
Add/Subtract

You don't multiply before you divide, you do them at the same time, left to right.
You don't add before you subtract, you do them at the same time, left to right.

Here it is from a grade school math web page:

Order of Operations

Rule 1: First perform any calculations inside parentheses.
Rule 2: Next perform all multiplications and divisions, working from left to right.
Rule 3: Lastly, perform all additions and subtractions, working from left to right.