Order of Operations and Ambiguity in Math
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.
