Poll: 6÷2(1+2)

6/2(1+2) = ?

  • 9

    Votes: 516 68.9%

  • 1

    Votes: 233 31.1%
  • Total voters
    749
Viper² said:
The confusion comes when some have learnt BODMAS and others have learnt PEDMAS. The latter states division comes after multiplication.
Click to expand...

When should you use each?

It seems a bit strange that I was confused by this because I usually consider myself to be fairly good with numbers and have never had this problem when studying maths... :eek:

Again, always taught that multiplication comes first.
 
BODMAS = Brackets, Orders, Division and Multiplication, and Addition and Subtraction
PEDMAS = Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, and Addition and Subtraction

Doesn't matter which one you use, division and multiplication are still on the same 'level'.
 
IMG_0112.jpg
 
Haircut said:
It's a misunderstanding based on the fact that there is no explicit multiplication sign between the 2 and the (1+2) and therefore people are making the assumption that they should treat them as one term IMO.

Similarly, you could have the equation x / 1 * x and ask it is equal to x^2 or 1.
Applying the order of operations correctly the answer is x^2, but I would imagine lots of people who are saying the answer to your original question is 1 would pick 1 here as well, even though there is nothing in the equation that says I need to calculate 1 * x first.
Click to expand...

Thanks for this answer.

Actually in the case of x / 1 * x I would go for x^2.

The issue I have is that 2(1+2) implies you expand out the contents of the bracket first.

Now IF It said 6 / 2 * (1+2) then I would answer 9.

2(1+2) is NOT strictly the same as 2 * (1+2).
 
Last edited:
Technically the answer is either 1 or 9 as multiplication and division have equal precedence and the question is an ambiguous one and is more theoretical. The reason by calculator says on is probably because it's using a variant of BODMAS such as BOMDAS which is equally valid.

In the real world if the numbers had any use they would be more clearly defined with parentheses in the right place.

Now I just need to get a photo of my calculator....
 
Hang on, some people I think did,

6 / 2(1 + 2) then,
6 / (2 + 4)
6 / 6 = 1

Right? But... that (2 + 4) is not meant to have brackets surley? As you've expanded the brackets? Or is that also simplifying it?

When I learnt this all the numbers inside the brackets had an x and y (1x + 2y) so we couldn't simplify it haha :p. I think I do understand where some people are getting 1 now though....
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom