[MatueHarton]

PEDMAS, BODMAS, BIDMAS or whatever you want to call isn't a mathematical axiom. It's a handy guide for remembering things but it shouldn't be treated as being a definitive rule. The correct way to do this is to sort out any operations in parentheses first (i.e. the 9 + 3) and then go back and read the expression left to right, where multiplication and division are done before addition/subtraction.

Thus the correct answer in Kaotika's original expression is 288 and not 2:

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

The answer is only 2 if the expression is specifically written like this:

48 / ( 2 ( 9 + 3 ) ) = 48 ÷ ( 2 x 12 ) = 48 ÷ 24 = 2

Slapping parentheses about can easily change an expression from its intended form.

But havn't you done it as if...

(48/2)(9+3) ...... Presuming there are extra brackets?

I'm not saying you're wrong, just wondering.

For me it all comes down to whether you do the multiplication or division first.

I think the answers 2 for the reason that what's in the brackets should be multiplied out first. But I think it's 288 by going left to right once the addition is done.

[Butiqueso]

Seems as though the normal calculators work fine from those images. Never used one of those graphics calculators.

[EmxATW5m]

But havn't you done it as if...

(48/2)(9+3) ...... Presuming there are extra brackets?

I'm not saying you're wrong, just wondering.

For me it all comes down to whether you do the multiplication or division first.

I think the answers 2 for the reason that what's in the brackets should be multiplied out first. But I think it's 288 by going left to right once the addition is done.

Huh?
There's no questions about that, just like adding and substracting are equal and you go from left to right, multiplication and division are equal and you go from left to right

You do (9+3) first, and then go left to right.

[illetrygrargo]

They're both right, only some are more right than others.

[Ingeborga]

Exactly as posted, I got 2 [cursing]
Is this a follow up of 'Scout's post?

[prmwsinfo]

In that first question is a TI-85 with the answer of 2.

My TI-84 Plus gave me the answer of 288.
If I put the answer in as 48/(2(9+3)) it gives me the answer 2.

Im glad my calculator isn't retarded doing this simple math. I hope that it isn't retarded anywhere else. Doing precal and calculus this entire year.

[Vomazoono]

One set of calculators assumes parentheses with 48/2(9+3), even Google's calculator as well as the Wolfram calculator assume a set of parentheses around 48/2 when doing their calculations. Either way, any person with a brain should be using parentheses around the desired components when doing the calculations. When somebody just types that into a calculator, it has to assume one way or the other. How are you supposed to know whether or not a person is asking 48/(2(9+3)) or (48/2)(9+3) if you don't separate the equation properly?

[Xxedxevh]

PEDMAS, BODMAS, BIDMAS or whatever you want to call isn't a mathematical axiom. It's a handy guide for remembering things but it shouldn't be treated as being a definitive rule. The correct way to do this is to sort out any operations in parentheses first (i.e. the 9 + 3) and then go back and read the expression left to right, where multiplication and division are done before addition/subtraction.

Thus the correct answer in Kaotika's original expression is 288 and not 2:

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

The answer is only 2 if the expression is specifically written like this:

48 / ( 2 ( 9 + 3 ) ) = 48 ÷ ( 2 x 12 ) = 48 ÷ 24 = 2

Slapping parentheses about can easily change an expression from its intended form.

OMG make love to me right now !!!!!

[MatueHarton]

I was never taught about the rule of going left to right. It's sounds obvious enough, but no sum I have done (and I did a few) has made me make that decision. Like Eiridan said, the equation should be seperaed properly.

Anyway it's maths not math.

Americans [rolleyes]

[hexniks]

One set of calculators assumes parentheses with 48/2(9+3), even Google's calculator as well as the Wolfram calculator assume a set of parentheses around 48/2 when doing their calculations. Either way, any person with a brain should be using parentheses around the desired components when doing the calculations. When somebody just types that into a calculator, it has to assume one way or the other. How are you supposed to know whether or not a person is asking 48/(2(9+3)) or (48/2)(9+3) if you don't separate the equation properly?

By following the basic rules of algebra. If two equal operands exist, go from left to right. It's as simple as that.

[blohannaserri]

If a plane is placed on a conveyer belt...will it take off?

[ingeneensueva]

Answer is 2 anyway you put it, neeyik is wrong [rolleyes]

[ingeneensueva]

so anyway kaotika did you mean the top or the bottom equation, did you even go to elementary school?

[geaveheadeNox]

My Ti-89 (with some customized software) single handedly got me through Calc II. It even worked out the problems and showed the steps!

It was the most undeserved A I've ever gotten.

[mireOpekrhype]

If a plane is placed on a conveyer belt...will it take off?

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Not again.

[ban]

[Vokbeelllicky]

I was never taught about the rule of going left to right.

Interesting...

[EmxATW5m]

so anyway kaotika did you mean the top or the bottom equation, did you even go to elementary school?

Top of course, just like it's written

edit:
Clarification:
The bottom equation would have to be written 48 / (2 (9+3)), 48/2(9+3) is the top of course.

[sapedotru]

It even worked out the problems and showed the steps!

I want that. =(

[EmxATW5m]

My Ti-89 (with some customized software) single handedly got me through Calc II. It even worked out the problems and showed the steps!

It was the most undeserved A I've ever gotten.

Now the big question - does it say 2 or 288 for this one? [yes]

[BundEnhamma]

This is something new? My 20 year old Ti-85 has this issue. The trick is to put the multiplication symbol in between the 2 and the parentheses and the calculator will perform the operation correctly.