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- Jun 5, 2009
Originally Posted by inspectah derek
The problem is written on a single line. The linear nature of the notation of the problem, with the lack of additional brackets and parenthesis makes everyone follow the fundamental order of operations. The grouping of 2(9+3) is an ASSUMPTION. Can you get sources where the notations for division ÷ and / are inequivalent? Where ÷ means 48 / [2(9+3)] and / means (48÷2) / (9+3) ?
And where implied multiplication, 2(9+3), holds precedence over explicit multiplication and division in the order of operations, * and ÷? Other than from the purplemath lady, she is just one person who holds that opinion. Even she says this assumption is questionable. e.g: "(And please do not send me an e-mail either asking for or else proffering a definitive verdict on this issue. As far as I know, there is no such final verdict. And telling me to do this your way will not solve the issue!)". In fact, everyone questions the validity of this assumption. I don't understand why you would follow a questioned assumption as opposed to concrete, fundamental rules of the order of operations.
For those arguing that you must use the distribution property, then you must correctly distribute which is
48 ÷ 2( 9 + 3)
= 48 ÷ ( 18 + 6)
= 48÷18 + 48 ÷ 6
= 2.66 + 8
= 10.66
Yes? No.