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Solve this simple math problem: 48/2(9+3)
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This was already discussed (and locked) over at Physicsforums.com.
http://physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=488334
http://physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=488334
After reading people's thoughts about it, without a calculator/computer doing the calculation your answer with be based off of which method you use to follow the order of operations.
I did parenthesis, then multiplication or division from left to right. That's how I was taught it.
I'm pretty sure doing PEMDAS left to right is the proper way to do it
48/2(9+3)
48/2(12)
24(12)
288
I'm pretty sure doing PEMDAS left to right is the proper way to do it
48/2(9+3)
48/2(12)
24(12)
288
Last edited:
Depends on how you solve it, your answer is either 288 or 2.
Nothing is missing in the equation - no math symbol is missing between 2 and (9+3), so solve it as is.
Now, cast your vote!
Vote for "Undecidable because of the rubbish typography".
Exactly.
To avoid the 'implied' multiplication, it should be shown as below.
The answer is then obviously "2".
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All depends on whether the (9+3) is on the top or bottom. As the OP typed it, it's on the top.
48/2(9+3) = 24 * 12 = 288
48/[2(9+3)] would've been = 2
48/2(9+3) = 24 * 12 = 288
48/[2(9+3)] would've been = 2
The answer is 288.
Back to 7th grade Math: Order of operations= PEMDAS
Parentheses first 9+3=12
Then division 48/2=24 because 24X2 is 48. Multiplication and division go together.
Then multiplication because they are next to each other. 24(12)=288
Back to 7th grade Math: Order of operations= PEMDAS
Parentheses first 9+3=12
Then division 48/2=24 because 24X2 is 48. Multiplication and division go together.
Then multiplication because they are next to each other. 24(12)=288
Mac knows, that in the absence of a sign, the (9+3) is to-the-power-of.
Well if that is acting as a fraction bar which acts like a grouping symbol (parentheses). So if then 9+3 = 12 12*2 = 24. 48/24 = 2. However, if that was a normal division symbol. then 9+3 = 12. 48/2 = 24 24*12 = 288. So is it a fraction bar or a division symbol yo.
Yes, if you assume the (9+3) is a power.
No, if you assume there is a fantom multiplier between the 2 and the (9+3).
It's a loaded question, due to incomplete specifications, yet again.
Takes me back to my User days. Kill them all!!!
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