the math poll

[Nash B.]

As the operator of the calculator, you still have to interpret the problem and input it properly into the calculator.

No you don't. Type 48 / 2 * (9+3) = and you get 288.

The way it's written signifies:
48
-------
2(9+3)

No, it doesn't. The way it's written signifies 48 / 2 * (9+3). With the "replacement rule," it goes to 48 / 2 * 12, and then 24 * 12, and then 288.

[Blame Canada]

The way it's written signifies:
48
-------
2(9+3)

specifically due to the replacement rule you used.

To be 288 it would have to be:

48
---- *(9+3)
2

Which using the replacement rule would be written as: 48/2 * (9+3)
(9+3) = Y
12 = Y
48/2 * Y = 24 * Y = 24*12 = 288

[mustangguy289]

Well fuck me and my answer of 2. I was using PEMDAS but forgot Mult. and Div. were on same level and then you went left to right as mentioned above.

"A common technique for remembering the order of operations is the abbreviation "PEMDAS", which is turned into the phrase "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally". It stands for "Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, and Addition and Subtraction". This tells you the ranks of the operations: Parentheses outrank exponents, which outrank multiplication and division (but multiplication and division are at the same rank), and these two outrank addition and subtraction (which are together on the bottom rank). When you have a bunch of operations of the same rank, you just operate from left to right. For instance, 15 ÷ 3 × 4 is not 15 ÷ 12, but is rather 5 × 4, because, going from left to right, you get to the division first. If you're not sure of this, test it in your calculator, which has been programmed with the Order of Operations hierarchy. For instance, typesetting this into a graphing calculator, you will get:"

[openroadracer]

1 dollar bob.

[Roscoe]

I actually said that to myself out loud. Fucking division symbol.

Same here... LOL

[butt86]

rat snake?

[papapepper]

Holy shit everyone got it wrong. LMAO!

[Denny]

syntax is a huge part of this. That problem can be read a few ways, and anyone setting that up would have to be familiar with the situation. Had the original problem been stated with a division bar instead of a quotient sign, we would have more right answers.

I actually said that to myself out loud. Fucking division symbol.

[Ruffdaddy]

syntax is a huge part of this. That problem can be read a few ways, and anyone setting that up would have to be familiar with the situation. Had the original problem been stated with a division bar instead of a quotient sign, we would have more right answers.

[line-em-up]

...

There are calculators that will do the same. It's all about the order of the equation, though. As the operator of the calculator, you still have to interpret the problem and input it properly into the calculator.

I just pasted it in there, straight from the dfws page. I figured it should be smart enough to know what to do with it.

[Denny]

That's funny, this site gave me "2".

http://www.basic-mathematics.com/fre...em-solver.html

There are calculators that will do the same. It's all about the order of the equation, though. As the operator of the calculator, you still have to interpret the problem and input it properly into the calculator.

[Strychnine]

That's funny, this site gave me "2".

http://www.basic-mathematics.com/fre...em-solver.html

Your solver sucks. Use Wolfram Alpha.

[line-em-up]

...

That's funny, this site gave me "2".

http://www.basic-mathematics.com/free-math-problem-solver.html

[Denny]

I knew it was 288 before I clicked it, but it was shocking to see how many people picked 2.

It's amazing how that works after we talk about it. Yay for the late comers.

[Ratt]

I knew it was 288 before I clicked it, but it was shocking to see how many people picked 2.