Math problem....

BearMtnHIB wrote:

Nobody that matters wrote:

BearMtnHIB wrote: Assuming the normal order and rules of math-
The answer is 2.

Please show your work

48/2(9+3)=?


1st rule that has to be followed here is solving within parentheses - the result here being 12.
2nd step would be to solve for the denominator - result here 2*12=24
3rd step solve the fraction 48/24=

Answer is 2.

Those rules are taught in lower grade school classes - 2nd or 3rd grade - at least that's where I learned it.

I used the same logic , so 2 for me also.

You are assigning a higher priority to the multiplication than to the division. They are given equal priority and should be solved from left to right.

http://www.google.com/#sclient=psy&hl=e ... f4dbcd33f2

jmc wrote:

BearMtnHIB wrote: 48/2(9+3)=?


1st rule that has to be followed here is solving within parentheses - the result here being 12.
2nd step would be to solve for the denominator - result here 2*12=24
3rd step solve the fraction 48/24=

Answer is 2.

Those rules are taught in lower grade school classes - 2nd or 3rd grade - at least that's where I learned it.

I used the same logic , so 2 for me also.

I understand your math, but believe you're interpreting the '/' incorrectly. It's not a long horizontal line - It's a division operator.

I first thought the answer was 2, and I was always very good in math. It appears the right answer may be 288 due to left to right rules. And I googled it and computer programs and calculators apparently say its its 288! WTF?

Where is the Science Chic, I bet she knows the answer!

I think it is 288 use Excel to run the equation and you get 288.

towermonkey wrote: You are assigning a higher priority to the multiplication than to the division. They are given equal priority and should be solved from left to right.

http://www.google.com/#sclient=psy&hl=e ... f4dbcd33f2

In the equation shown when you click on the link- it is shown differently than at the top of this topic.
it is shown like this...(48 / 2) * (9 + 3) =

This changes the game. If you follow my rules again with this equation - you wind up with a different answer.

1st rule that has to be followed here is solving within parentheses
2nd step would be to solve for the denominator
3rd step solve the fraction

Solving within parentheses first- the equation is 24*12- without the parentheses the rules will show a different result.