48÷2(9+3) = ????
- Thread starter jimbo88
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It's been a while since I've done this type of math equation but the way I remember it, you're supposed to do what's in the brackets first. So, if (9+3)=x, the equation is 48 divided by 2x and x=12. 12 multiplied by two is 24 and 48 divided by 24 is 2.
Interesting. Just for fun, I typed it into google. This has apparently caused quite a stir all around the net lately. And Google calculator says we're wrong!
From what I remember, you do the equation in the brackets first, followed by division & multiplication, then lastly addition & subtraction equations. It does not matter where such equations are situated - just go from left to right.
So in this case, the answer should be 288.
You would get 2 if the equation was: 48/(2(9+3))
So in this case, the answer should be 288.
You would get 2 if the equation was: 48/(2(9+3))
Agreed. The equation based on how it should be solved would look something like this:
48/2x12
The first example is correct. Solve the equation in the parenthesis, then solve multiplication and division from left to right.
48 ÷ 2 * [(9+3) = 12]
48 ÷ 2 * 12
[(48 ÷ 2) = 24] * 12
24 * 12 = 288
Alin, it's a good thing us "old schoolers" are around to teach the youngin's Algebra.
I think you old schoolers are wrong.
Brackets first
48/2(9+3)=48/2(12)
Since there is no sign between 2 and 12, it is the next step.
This would be a much more of a dilemma if there was a multiplication sign between the 12 and the 2.
No debate.
Its a horribly written equation.
Another way to look at it would be to multiply the 2 by each of the numbers in the brackets before you add them.
2x9=18 2x3=6
18+6=24
48/24=2
Now I have real homework to get to
Brackets first
48/2(9+3)=48/2(12)
Since there is no sign between 2 and 12, it is the next step.
This would be a much more of a dilemma if there was a multiplication sign between the 12 and the 2.
No debate.
Its a horribly written equation.
Another way to look at it would be to multiply the 2 by each of the numbers in the brackets before you add them.
2x9=18 2x3=6
18+6=24
48/24=2
Now I have real homework to get to
Do you know what a unary operation is? It's an operation with only 1 operand. ie: -3
So what's the outcome of this?
-3^2
it could be:
-(3^2) = -9
(-3)^2 = 9
Because BEDMAS does not apply to unary operators.
Notice how this equation is missing an operand between the "2" and the "(". We can assume this is an unary operand, in which case it could be expanded to either:
48 / [2 * (9+3)] = 2
48 / (2) * (9+3) = 288
Usually unary operands get evaluated first; anyone who develops software knows this cause "++" is a unary operand. Thus why some calculators are returning the answer as 2.
There's your math lesson for the day.
W
westcoast555
Order of operations... inside the brackets first... multiplication and division before addition and subtraction. Should equal 12 x 2 = 24 and 48 is divided by the result. Answer is 2
W
westcoast555
hmm you guys are right. If it was 48 plus the result you'd do it in the order I listed but if it's division that might take precedence in which case it would be 48/2 = 24 * 12 which would be 288.
It is a poorly written equation definitely. Generally you'd avoid the ambiguity by putting in parentheses.
Best to see it as this 48 ÷ 2 x (9+3)
this missing x fools people into multiply before dividing.
I always wonder when you see a contest with a simple math skill testing question, how often do people get them wrong?
Most are similar to this, and we have a lot of people on both sides.
I actually remember way back to expo, I was like 12 and my parents took me to McDonalds for lunch, when they had the expo McMillians or whatever, same as the monopoly game they have now.
I won $86 cash instant win, and the girl at the counter thought I was wrong, but I wasn't and my dad was there. Very exciting day for a kid that age.
this missing x fools people into multiply before dividing.
I always wonder when you see a contest with a simple math skill testing question, how often do people get them wrong?
Most are similar to this, and we have a lot of people on both sides.
I actually remember way back to expo, I was like 12 and my parents took me to McDonalds for lunch, when they had the expo McMillians or whatever, same as the monopoly game they have now.
I won $86 cash instant win, and the girl at the counter thought I was wrong, but I wasn't and my dad was there. Very exciting day for a kid that age.
