Math Test
Feb 22, 2019 09:44:23 #
fetzler
Loc: North West PA
The problem is that the order of the operators is unclear. As others have said the answer is 12. Those who have done computer programing always find parentheses to be their friends,
Feb 22, 2019 09:45:25 #
Dikdik
Loc: Winnipeg, Canada
RavineCat wrote:
I tried this on 6 different calculators; 5 came up with 18, one with 12. The one that answered 12 is hereto-forward of no further use to me.
5 of them are wrong... only 1 was correct. I posted my calculator answer earlier.
Dik
Feb 22, 2019 09:48:55 #
ecblackiii wrote:
Obviously a lot of people did not learn the rules of arithmetic regarding prioritization of functions in elementary school. Apply the rules of arithmetic and the answer is 12. Brackets are supplied by the rules of functional prioritization.
I think it might be more accurate to say that people forgot as opposed to “did not learn...”. Plus, a lot of folks depend on calculators to give them the answers to daily math problems. Personally, the “rules of functional prioritization” remain near and dear to my heart.😊
Feb 22, 2019 09:49:14 #
jerryc41 wrote:
This type of computation drives a friend of mine crazy, and he refuses to accept the correct answer.
12
Feb 22, 2019 09:51:28 #
Feb 22, 2019 09:54:23 #
Feb 22, 2019 10:02:39 #
This only works in the world of math, because of the PEMDAS rules. If one ignores that and uses, say, apples, 18 is a plausible answer. I don't know who wrote the PEMDAS rules, but whoever did may have set up the real world for a let down. What if the rules are wrong? E might equal MC to some other power. Just sayin'. 
Feb 22, 2019 10:07:57 #
Feb 22, 2019 10:21:19 #
Feb 22, 2019 10:44:07 #
Burtzy wrote:
This only works in the world of math, because of the PEMDAS rules. If one ignores that and uses, say, apples, 18 is a plausible answer. I don't know who wrote the PEMDAS rules, but whoever did may have set up the real world for a let down. What if the rules are wrong? E might equal MC to some other power. Just sayin'.
Which would explain a lot of weird things that have happened in my life!😊
Feb 22, 2019 10:54:05 #
soxrul
Loc: ct
The rule for order of operations is just as shellback presented. If you don't believe him, just ask any of my former eighth-grade math students. Well, maybe not ANY of them. LOL
Feb 22, 2019 11:02:58 #
fetzler wrote:
The problem is that the order of the operators is unclear. As others have said the answer is 12. Those who have done computer programing always find parentheses to be their friends,
Last thing I remember being taught was to use parentheses if you want to make it clear what you are doing. This is even more important in programing if you want correct answers. I tested it on 3 calculators and 2 of them said 18, one said 12.
I may have learned the proper order in elementary school arithmetic, but that has been long forgotten and over ruled by basic algebra and computer programing. I've also forgotten lots of that, and still cut my boards too short.
The solution is to use parentheses, and, when possible, always cut the longest boards first.
Feb 22, 2019 11:11:02 #
Feb 22, 2019 11:12:42 #
Dikdik
Loc: Winnipeg, Canada
Burtzy wrote:
This only works in the world of math, because of the PEMDAS rules. If one ignores that and uses, say, apples, 18 is a plausible answer. I don't know who wrote the PEMDAS rules, but whoever did may have set up the real world for a let down. What if the rules are wrong? E might equal MC to some other power. Just sayin'.
Not sure... if you add 3 apples to an array of 3x3 apples... you end up with 12 apples.
Dik
Feb 22, 2019 11:15:55 #
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