Poll: What is the answer to 48/2(9+3)?

[mps4li3n]

Uhh.. not really. If you passed 5th grade math, you'd know the answer is 2.

Sarcasm, the only thing less understood then this equation.

You see, there's the flaw in your logic. We are not computers. It doesn't not matter how it is written for us, you should understand that (48/2)(9+3) =/= 48/2(9+3) The fact that you think that they are equal proves to me that you do not understand the distributive property. Stop arguing with your flawed logic, you will never be correct, because we will never be computers. Computers are provided with a flawed logic system in their programming, every math teacher (and decent math student) knows this.

But the thing is that in the end the symbols used and what they mean are wholly artificial and arbitrary... it really doesn't matter if 48 was writen as $* or kanji as long as it meant the same 48 pieces of whatever.


And because both variations exist in the real world the 1st question to ask is "üsing what system, the computer's or the one you know from studying math" (and as i pointed out, over here / in a straight line isn't used much -computers are changing that- so in some systems of learning math it doesn't make sense either way, kinda like using ,1 or .1 for fractions, it's simply a difference in the symbol).

Problem is that no one bothered to ask that and that's why we're on page 16+

 

[ivannorr]

A question witten poorly is a question not woth doing

It isn't written poorly. I'm sorry that you think fractions are poorly written.

Of course it is poorly written, a math problem that is written well can have only one interpritation, there are three simple was to correct it: (48/2)(9+3) or 48/(2(9+3)) or (9+3)48/2, no room for misinterpritation.

 

[RonHiler]

You see, there's the flaw in your logic. We are not computers. It doesn't not matter how it is written for us, you should understand that (48/2)(9+3) =/= 48/2(9+3) The fact that you think that they are equal proves to me that you do not understand the distributive property. Stop arguing with your flawed logic, you will never be correct, because we will never be computers. Computers are provided with a flawed logic system in their programming, every math teacher (and decent math student) knows this. Math was designed before computers were. It doesn't matter how you phrase it, the question will always be the same if you phrase it correctly (which you aren't doing if you think the answer is 288).

But we are reading on computers. Get used to it.

Your assumption is that the "/" symbol represents the line between a numerator and a denominator. If that's what was meant in the original equation, then you are correct, the answer it 2. However, since it is written on a computer, there is nothing to tell us that is the case.

In the world of computers, the "/" symbol does not mean that. It means "Divide By" (the two dots with the line between them). And there is a good reason for that (it is unambiguous that way, as opposed to the numerator/denominator separator, which can be ambiguous in all sorts of ways). In computer science, that equation comes out to 288. As an C++ program will tell you (and for that matter, so will Excel). To interpret that symbol as the line between numerator and denominator is, in a word, wrong.

If you want to represent that equation with the first assumption on a computer, you MUST write it as
48/(2(9+3))

Simple as that.

 

[zyzzyx]

Uhh.. not really. If you passed 5th grade math, you'd know the answer is 2.

Sarcasm, the only thing less understood then this equation.

Of course; but I was also sarcastic myself. It doesn't work too well on the internet where you cannot add tone to a simple post.

 

[Joseph Webb]

Uhh.. not really. If you passed 5th grade math, you'd know the answer is 2.

Sarcasm, the only thing less understood then this equation.

You see, there's the flaw in your logic. We are not computers. It doesn't not matter how it is written for us, you should understand that (48/2)(9+3) =/= 48/2(9+3) The fact that you think that they are equal proves to me that you do not understand the distributive property. Stop arguing with your flawed logic, you will never be correct, because we will never be computers. Computers are provided with a flawed logic system in their programming, every math teacher (and decent math student) knows this.

But the thing is that in the end the symbols used and what they mean are wholly artificial and arbitrary... it really doesn't matter if 48 was writen as $* or kanji as long as it meant the same 48 pieces of whatever.


And because both variations exist in the real world the 1st question to ask is "üsing what system, the computer's or the one you know from studying math".

Problem is that no one bothered to ask that and that's why we're on page 16+

You're either a troll, or you just don't understand the situation. Do you understand how calculators work? Do you understand the flaw in their logic when calculating a problem like that? This is seriously a basic 8th grade problem that teachers use to screw up their students (and hopefully use it to teach them a lesson the won't forget about the distributive property and how their calculators are retarded). The answer is 2. If you're using the flawed logic of a calculator to solve the problem, the answer is 288. However, that answer is wrong. To type the same question into the calculator, you need to work around its flawed logic by including an additional set of parentheses. The problem you would plug into a calculator would be 48/(2(9+3)), which equals 48/2(9+3), which equals 2. The thread starter is probably a troll, because you have to have failed pre-algebra to not understand that calculators are flawed. Seriously.

 

[mps4li3n]

A question witten poorly is a question not woth doing

It isn't written poorly. I'm sorry that you think fractions are poorly written.

Of course it is poorly written, a math problem that is written well can have only one interpritation, there are three simple was to correct it: (48/2)(9+3) or 48/(2(9+3)) or (9+3)48/2, no room for misinterpritation.

Yup, i don't see anyone over here ever misinterpreting that, maybe they might not know for sure what "/" is, but i doubt that as it's close the the superscript/subscript one we used back when i was in school.

 

[Joseph Webb]

You see, there's the flaw in your logic. We are not computers. It doesn't not matter how it is written for us, you should understand that (48/2)(9+3) =/= 48/2(9+3) The fact that you think that they are equal proves to me that you do not understand the distributive property. Stop arguing with your flawed logic, you will never be correct, because we will never be computers. Computers are provided with a flawed logic system in their programming, every math teacher (and decent math student) knows this. Math was designed before computers were. It doesn't matter how you phrase it, the question will always be the same if you phrase it correctly (which you aren't doing if you think the answer is 288).

But we are reading on computers. Get used to it.

Your assumption is that the "/" symbol represents the line between a numerator and a denominator. If that's what was meant in the original equation, then you are correct, the answer it 2. However, since it is written on a computer, there is nothing to tell us that is the case.

In the world of computers, the "/" symbol does not mean that. It means "Divide By" (the two dots with the line between them). And there is a good reason for that (it is unambiguous that way, as opposed to the numerator/denominator separator, which can be ambiguous in all sorts of ways). In computer science, that equation comes out to 288. As an C++ program will tell you (and for that matter, so will Excel). To interpret that symbol as the line between numerator and denominator is, in a word, wrong.

If you want to represent that equation with the first assumption on a computer, you MUST write it as
48/(2(9+3))

Simple as that.

Listen to me, you are wrong. Get over it. You didn't pass Algebra I, stop trying dude. Really.

 

[RonHiler]

Yes, I am wrong. Computers are wrong. Calculators are wrong. Couldn't be you.

And yes, I passed Algebra I, thanks. I also passed three quarters of calculus, and am a professional computer programmer for over 20 years now. I've done math that would make your head spin. Still want to insult my math skills?

 

[Pyro Paul]

the answer is 2.

2(9+3) is the simplified form of 2*9 + 2*3
NOT
2 * (9+3)

as written the equation should be seen as
48 / (2*9 + 2*3)

which when calculated out equials 2.

 

[drdamo]

Ok lets simplify:

48 = A
2 = B
9+3 = C

So now we have A/B*(C)
As you can see I haven't changed anything, I simply renamed the numbers.

In short this will become:

48 / 2 * 12 = 288

And btw:

A/B*(C) = (A/B)*(C)

Because both have the same order of operations: Devide first & Multiply second and since both have an equal priority the result goes from left to right like it has always been.

The answer will only be 2 if its written like: A/(B*(C))

Why? Because in order to change the order, when both operations have the same priority, you have to bracket the one who's priority needs to change and therefore make an exception on the left-to-right rule.

Saying (9+3) is part of the denominator is an assumption and not based on the facts that are our order of operations.

 

[Skratt]

PEMDAS

(48/2)(9+3)=288
48/2(9+3)=2

Better?

BIDMAS

48/2(9+3)=288
48/[2(9+3)]=2

Better?

As many have already said, it's a poorly written problem.

The fact that "/" is used does not necessarily imply a fraction. "/" is the default sign for the operation called division and also to seperate a numerator from a denominator in computer language, this is where the problem lies.

I actually corrected myself when I went to lunch and discovered why I got the problem wrong. PEMDAS, which is what I was taught is an order of operations. What I forgot (or maybe never remember learning) was that M carries no more weight than D and A no more than S. So, in absence of P, the equation is solved left to right.

4*3+5=17
5+3*4=17

Correct?

 

[mps4li3n]

Uhh.. not really. If you passed 5th grade math, you'd know the answer is 2.

Sarcasm, the only thing less understood then this equation.

You see, there's the flaw in your logic. We are not computers. It doesn't not matter how it is written for us, you should understand that (48/2)(9+3) =/= 48/2(9+3) The fact that you think that they are equal proves to me that you do not understand the distributive property. Stop arguing with your flawed logic, you will never be correct, because we will never be computers. Computers are provided with a flawed logic system in their programming, every math teacher (and decent math student) knows this.

But the thing is that in the end the symbols used and what they mean are wholly artificial and arbitrary... it really doesn't matter if 48 was writen as $* or kanji as long as it meant the same 48 pieces of whatever.


And because both variations exist in the real world the 1st question to ask is "üsing what system, the computer's or the one you know from studying math".

Problem is that no one bothered to ask that and that's why we're on page 16+

You're either a troll, or you just don't understand the situation. Do you understand how calculators work? Do you understand the flaw in their logic when calculating a problem like that? This is seriously a basic 8th grade problem that teachers use to screw up their students (and hopefully use it to teach them a lesson the won't forget about the distributive property and how their calculators are retarded). The answer is 2. If you're using the flawed logic of a calculator to solve the problem, the answer is 288. However, that answer is wrong. To type the same question into the calculator, you need to work around its flawed logic by including an additional set of parentheses. The problem you would plug into a calculator would be 48/(2(9+3)), which equals 48/2(9+3), which equals 2. The thread starter is probably a troll, because you have to have failed pre-algebra to not understand that calculators are flawed. Seriously.

Oh for crying out loud...

You might have been taught that "/" is only ever

1
---
x

with x = everything after the "/" , but not everyone was... some people only saw "/" on the computer and they assumed it simply means divided by [ 48:2x(9+4) is how we'd write 48*0.5*(9+4) over here and it would be quite fine] because that's how PC's do it and there's little to imply otherwise...

Seen it done in academia even... which means the rule that x = everything after the "/" is not as world wide spread a rule as you assume it must be because that's what you where taught... while others have obviously been taught that "/" only implies division and not fractions.

Math itself applies to everything, the symbols used in math on the other hand are still not 100% standardised it seems.


Of course i could be wrong, but to prove that it would require someone with knowledge of math symbol standards all over the world and the history of math symbols....

 

[Joseph Webb]

Ok lets simplify:

48 = A
2 = B
9+3 = C

So now we have A/B*(C)
As you can see I haven't changed anything, I simply renamed the numbers.

In short this will become:

48 / 2 * 12 = 288

And btw:

A/B*(C) = (A/B)*(C)

Because both have the same order of operations: Devide first & Multiply second and since both have an equal priority the result goes from left to right like it has always been.

The answer will only be 2 if its written like: A/(B*(C))

Why? Because in order to change the order, when both operations have the same priority, you have to bracket the one who's priority needs to change and therefore make an exception on the left-to-right rule.

Saying (9+3) is part of the denominator is an assumption and not based on the facts that are our order of operations.

You're wrong. You've never had to reduce lengthy equations, have you? You've never used the distributive property, have you? I didn't think so. Go google the order of operations real quick, and you'll soon find the error of your ways. I'd also look up the distributive method if I were you.

 

[yeel]

The thing is, our teacher told us that multiply and divide comes befor subtraction and addition, but not which comes first, but not which of multiplying or dividing is first... but now I know, and knowing is half the battle!

Because neither does... 48/2 is the same as 48*0.5, if you know that you don't need to have any come first...

The issue here is that it's not clear if the fraction is 48/2 or 48/2(9+3). And obviously people have been taught both variations.

There is no variation, the question is very clear. The question states 48/2(9+3). The answer is 2. The question does not state (48/2)(9+3), which would equal 288. The problem here is that people don't understand fractions. 48 is the numerator, 2(9+3) is the denominator. Please do not provide answers when you don't actually know what it is.

An interesting point Joseph Webb. I do feel there is seems to be a variations in how people interpret the divide sign. Some people believe

1/2 * 1/2 = 1/4

While you would be prone to interpret this as:

1
--------- = 1
2 * (1/2)

especially if i left out the spaces and wrote it down instead like: 1/2*1/2

You also seem not to like people posting on this topic who you deem not to understand fractions as well as you do.

 

[Joseph Webb]

Uhh.. not really. If you passed 5th grade math, you'd know the answer is 2.

Sarcasm, the only thing less understood then this equation.

You see, there's the flaw in your logic. We are not computers. It doesn't not matter how it is written for us, you should understand that (48/2)(9+3) =/= 48/2(9+3) The fact that you think that they are equal proves to me that you do not understand the distributive property. Stop arguing with your flawed logic, you will never be correct, because we will never be computers. Computers are provided with a flawed logic system in their programming, every math teacher (and decent math student) knows this.

But the thing is that in the end the symbols used and what they mean are wholly artificial and arbitrary... it really doesn't matter if 48 was writen as $* or kanji as long as it meant the same 48 pieces of whatever.


And because both variations exist in the real world the 1st question to ask is "üsing what system, the computer's or the one you know from studying math".

Problem is that no one bothered to ask that and that's why we're on page 16+

You're either a troll, or you just don't understand the situation. Do you understand how calculators work? Do you understand the flaw in their logic when calculating a problem like that? This is seriously a basic 8th grade problem that teachers use to screw up their students (and hopefully use it to teach them a lesson the won't forget about the distributive property and how their calculators are retarded). The answer is 2. If you're using the flawed logic of a calculator to solve the problem, the answer is 288. However, that answer is wrong. To type the same question into the calculator, you need to work around its flawed logic by including an additional set of parentheses. The problem you would plug into a calculator would be 48/(2(9+3)), which equals 48/2(9+3), which equals 2. The thread starter is probably a troll, because you have to have failed pre-algebra to not understand that calculators are flawed. Seriously.

Oh for crying out loud...

You might have been taught that "/" is only ever

1
---
x

with x = everything after the "/" , but not everyone was... some people only saw "/" on the computer and they assumed it simply means divided by [ 48:2x(9+4) is how we'd write 48*0.5*(9+4) over here and it would be quite fine] because that's how PC's do it and there's little to imply otherwise...

Seen it done in academia even... which means the rule that x = everything after the "/" is not as world wide spread a rule as you assume it must be because that's what you where taught...

Math itself applies to everything, the symbols used in math on the other hand are still not 100% standardised it seems.


Of course i could be wrong, but to prove that it would require someone with knowledge of math symbol standards all over the world and the history of math symbols....

No dude, you're wrong. / always implies a fraction, yes, ALWAYS. / does not always imply that EVERYTHING following it is a fraction. 1/2+1 = 3/2, it does not equal 1/3. You aren't as aware of how to write out math as you think you are if you really think that there's any GOOD reason you can get this question wrong.

 

[Joseph Webb]

The thing is, our teacher told us that multiply and divide comes befor subtraction and addition, but not which comes first, but not which of multiplying or dividing is first... but now I know, and knowing is half the battle!

Because neither does... 48/2 is the same as 48*0.5, if you know that you don't need to have any come first...

The issue here is that it's not clear if the fraction is 48/2 or 48/2(9+3). And obviously people have been taught both variations.

There is no variation, the question is very clear. The question states 48/2(9+3). The answer is 2. The question does not state (48/2)(9+3), which would equal 288. The problem here is that people don't understand fractions. 48 is the numerator, 2(9+3) is the denominator. Please do not provide answers when you don't actually know what it is.

An interesting point Joseph Webb. I do feel there is seems to be a variations in how people interpret the divide sign. Some people believe

1/2 * 1/2 = 1/4

While you would be prone to interpret this as:

1
--------- = 1
2 * (1/2)

especially if i left out the spaces and wrote it down like: '1/2*1/2'

You also seem not to like people posting on this topic who you deem not to understand fractions as well as you do.

I'll be really honest with you, that is the stupidest thing I've ever heard. You don't understand a bit of what I'm saying. THE DISTRIBUTIVE METHOD, DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT IS? If the question were written 1/2(1/2), then the answer would, indeed, be one. Unfortunately, you don't understand mathematical notation.

I'm sorry my posts are getting heated, but seriously, I took math for like, 10 years straight. I had this kind of thing drilled into my head. I know when I'm right.

 

[drdamo]

I aced my equations exam as the only in my summerclass and since then I haven't been pointed out that I'm wrong. And I have to do a fair ammount of equations being an environmental science student and all, so if you have a different opinion I respect that, but don't think I'll "see the error of my ways" when a total stranger says so, compared to a school filled with teachers who give me the thumbs up for my work.

 

[mps4li3n]

The thing is, our teacher told us that multiply and divide comes befor subtraction and addition, but not which comes first, but not which of multiplying or dividing is first... but now I know, and knowing is half the battle!

Because neither does... 48/2 is the same as 48*0.5, if you know that you don't need to have any come first...

The issue here is that it's not clear if the fraction is 48/2 or 48/2(9+3). And obviously people have been taught both variations.

There is no variation, the question is very clear. The question states 48/2(9+3). The answer is 2. The question does not state (48/2)(9+3), which would equal 288. The problem here is that people don't understand fractions. 48 is the numerator, 2(9+3) is the denominator. Please do not provide answers when you don't actually know what it is.

An interesting point Joseph Webb. I do feel there is seems to be a variations in how people interpret the divide sign. Some people believe

1/2 * 1/2 = 1/4

While you would be prone to interpret this as:

1
--------- = 1
2 * (1/2)

especially if i left out the spaces and wrote it down like: '1/2*1/2'

You also seem not to like people posting on this topic who you deem not to understand fractions as well as you do.

He's doing the same thing the people that say it's 228 are, assuming that because his education system uses a sign in a distinct way all others must do the same, just because math itself is the same...

But the symbols aren't math themselves, they're just as arbitrary as any writing system... which is why the same symbol can be interpreted differently based on your region of the world.



And they're also prone to change, especially if something like computers, which are very popular, uses them differently the new way can replace the old one... which is also why we don't speak the same language as our ancestors from 2000 years ago... math is just more insular and changes harder then speech, but it isn't immune. But that's besides the point.

 

[RonHiler]

He's doing the same thing the people that say it's 228 are, assuming that because his education system uses a sign in a distinct way all others must do the same, just because math itself is the same...

But the symbols aren't math themselves, they're just as arbitrary as any writing system... which is why the same symbol can be interpreted differently based on your region of the world.

Indeed.

I'll allow that the answer is 2 if you want to interpret the symbol "/" that way. But I'd argue that's not a common interpretation any more (if it ever was). Everyone I know would interpret that answer as 288, because they consider the / to be defined as "Divided by". the same way * is interpreted as "multiplied by" with the same precidence. But then, I hang around with computer programmers all day long, so perhaps my view is skewed in that direction more than most.

 

[Joseph Webb]

I aced my equations exam as the only in my summerclass and since then I haven't been pointed out that I'm wrong. And I have to do a fair ammount of equations being an environmental science student and all, so if you have a different opinion I respect that, but don't think I'll "see the error of my ways" when a total stranger says so, compared to a school filled with teachers who give me the thumbs up for my work.

If your answer was 288, then you're wrong. http://www.purplemath.com/modules/orderops2.htm There's a link as to why, maybe it'll help you understand the error of your ways. It doesn't even include /difficult topics/ like the distributive method. REMEMBER, the division symbol they use is the EXACT same as the / symbol. Scroll down until you see them solve Simplify 16 ÷ 2[8 ? 3(4 ? 2)] + 1. that problem. It EVEN states how calculators solve these types of problems incorrectly! AMAZING!