Poll: Solve a simple math problem

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Flailing Escapist

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Apr 13, 2011
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madwarper said:
Flailing Escapist said:
Satisfied?
Yes, was just pointing out why the original responses to the original original post don't reflect what the original post in its current form says.
Not you, I was asking if Tim Mazzola was satisfied. He seemed to be the one with the question.
Good job, tho. I'm glad somebody else understands whats going on.
 

Irony's Acolyte

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Mar 9, 2010
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14.

I know this question is suppose to trick people into doing a quick look through and answer without really looking carefully. First there's the *0 which makes plenty of people think that it's just zero (anything multiplied by zero is zero) without noticing that you only multiply one 1 by 0. For those that noticed that little trick and figured they were brighter than the average bulb, they left that random -1 in there that people aren't as likely to notice. So people answer 16 without checking the whole thing.

So if you answered incorrectly because you skimmed it, don't feel too bad, it's made to be tricky and fake you out.
TheLiham said:
mikespoff said:
14.

As in, if you're over 14 and can't solve this, you really should have been paying more attention in school.
Can't tell if trolling or just stupid...

OT: Zero, anything multiplied by zero is zero.
The irony of this post, It pleases me.
 

mikespoff

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Oct 29, 2009
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Irony said:
TheLiham said:
mikespoff said:
14.

As in, if you're over 14 and can't solve this, you really should have been paying more attention in school.
Can't tell if trolling or just stupid...

OT: Zero, anything multiplied by zero is zero.
The irony of this post, It pleases me.
I know, I got quite a kick out of the irony too. :)
 

Enigmatic Master

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Aug 19, 2010
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actually you need parathesis to do it how you show in the spoiler the way it is posted now means every is multiplied by zero thus the answer is zero basic algebra c'mon people
 

madwarper

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Enigmatic Master said:
actually you need parathesis to do it how you show in the spoiler the way it is posted now means every is multiplied by zero thus the answer is zero
No. You don't.

You do know that in the Order of Operations, Multiplication/Division comes BEFORE Addition/Subtraction? No?
basic algebra c'mon people
I couldn't agree more.
 

thom_cat_

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novixz said:
The first thing they teach you when multiplying is anything multiplied by 0 will ultimately be 0. That's pretty simple.
Parentheses
Exponents
Multiplication/Division
Addition/Subtraction

1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1-1+1+1+1+1+1+(1*0)
1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1-1+1+1+1+1+1
1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1
14.

(more proof: http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=1%2B1%2B1%2B1%2B1%2B1%2B1%2B1%2B1%2B1-1%2B1%2B1%2B1%2B1%2B1%2B1*0 )

It saddens me that these people can vote.
 

FrossetMareritt

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Sep 10, 2008
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One massive facepalm for every time someone says, "It's zero because anything times zero is zero."


On a slightly related side note: Is there a way I can get reimbursed for my tax dollars?

(>-_-)>
 

Ren3004

In an unsuspicious cabin
Jul 22, 2009
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It's 14. There are no parenthesis, so the multiplication comes first. 1*0=0. Add and subtract the other ones and you get 14.
 

Harlief

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Jul 8, 2009
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Actually, I would argue that this isn't a simple maths problem because it contains no (for lack of a better word) punctuation. In the absence of these, reading left to right, you get zero; but looking at all the discussion about what the answer actually is should show you how badly phrased this equation is.

Also, making this point is about as witty as saying "Alanis Morrisette's song Ironic isn't ironic."
 

gravitii

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Jun 22, 2010
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Pretty simple, just testing our understanding of order of operations.

to OP: I'd prefer you didn't describe those who got it wrong as "retarded" when in reality they're just stupid or read the problem too quickly.
 

madwarper

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Harlief said:
reading left to right, you get zero; but looking at all the discussion about what the answer actually is should show you how badly phrased this equation is.
No.

It shows how badly 50% of those who have answered the poll are at reading mathematical equations, and/or their misunderstanding of the Order of Operations.

It is a scientific fact that the speed of light is faster than the speed of sound.
Which explains why people appear to be brighter before they open their mouths. And, this thread is simply a megaphone.
 

Irony's Acolyte

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Mar 9, 2010
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henritje said:
0 X*0=0 I didn't have to read the entire problem.
Aaaaannnd another takes the bait.

You should really take the second or two extra to notice the lack of parenthesis's around all the 1's.
 

FrossetMareritt

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SuperMse said:
Problem is poorly notated. Invalid.
Not exactly sure how this problem is poorly notated. This is exactly the type of problem prospective students or job seekers see on an entrance fundamentals test for programs/jobs that are very heavy in math. It's to see if you know PEMDAS (which is crucial in higher mathematics) and to see if you're paying attention.


madwarper said:
It is a scientific fact that the speed of light is faster than the speed of sound.
Which explains why people appear to be brighter before they open their mouths. And, this thread is simply a megaphone.
This made my night. Thanks! ^_^