Question - Order of Operations and Ambiguity in Math
Solution:
This math problem is a classic example that can lead to two different answers depending on the interpretation of the order of operations. To solve it according to the standard mathematical order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS), you solve any expressions within parentheses first, then do multiplication and division from left to right, followed by addition and subtraction from left to right.The equation is:\[6 \div 2(1+2)\]First, solve the expression inside the parentheses.\[1+2 = 3\]Now, the equation becomes:\[6 \div 2 \times 3\]According to the order of operations, you should divide and multiply from left to right.\[6 \div 2 = 3\]\[3 \times 3= 9\]So the solution is 9.However, some people might interpret the problem differently, suggesting that the 2 should be distributed to the terms inside the parentheses first (which would be the case if the division sign was replaced with a fraction). But following the standard order of operations, the solution is 9.
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