Solve this equation > 48÷2(9+3) = ?

D.M.N.D.M.N. Posts: 34,167
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Given the debate this has created on two forums I visit (one frequently, one not so), I thought I'd bring this little debate over here.

48÷2(9+3) = ?

Simply, what's the answer? It'll become pretty clear after a few posts that some will get one answer and one will get another.

I think it's two myself:

48÷2(9+3)
48÷2(12)
48÷24
= 2

However, a lot are saying it is 288, by following this method (although I believe the above is technically more 'correct'):

48÷2(9+3)
24*(9+3)
24*12
= 288

Which is right?

Which is right? 1208 votes

2
56% 677 votes
288
43% 531 votes
«134567108

Comments

  • Smiley433Smiley433 Posts: 7,854
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    I get two.
  • DoctorbDoctorb Posts: 3,648
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    I would say 288 as doing it the other way your starting the sum backwards.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 366
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    Deleted
  • muntamunta Posts: 18,285
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    Google says 288
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 21,014
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    Don't you always work out the brackets first in an equation, which would mean the answer is 2.
  • MenkMenk Posts: 13,831
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    Misread it and voted 288 instead of 2!
  • EllieGEllieG Posts: 108,065
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    48 ÷ 2 (9+3)

    First work the calc in brackets:
    => 48 ÷ 2 x 12

    Then from left to right so you divide first:
    => 24 x 12

    => 288
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 3,373
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    It's 2, based on the BODMAS rule for the order of mathematical operations:

    Brackets
    Order (e.g. powers like squaring, cubing, square roots etc.)
    Division
    Multiplication
    Addition
    Subtraction

    You have to get rid of the brackets before anything else, which gives the answer 2.
  • That BlokeThat Bloke Posts: 6,352
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    It's 288.

    48÷2(9+3) = 48 / 2 * (9+3) = 48 / 2 * 12 = 24 * 12 = 288
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 21,014
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    EllieG wrote: »
    48 ÷ 2 (9+3)

    First work the calc in brackets:
    => 48 ÷ 2 x 12

    Then from left to right so you divide first:
    => 24 x 12

    => 288

    I think you're assuming that 2x12 is the same as 2(9+3).

    The 2(9+3) = 24 not 2x12 because although you work out the brackets first, its 12 is still in the brackets rather than removing it with a x symbol. (i think)
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 101
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    Order of precedence:

    1) terms inside brackets
    2) exponents and roots
    3) multiplication and division
    4) addition and subtraction

    Where there is more than one in each precidence set, work from left to right.

    There for the answer is 288. (Multiplication and division are equal so work from left to right.)
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 101
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    I think you're assuming that 2x12 is the same as 2(9+3).

    The 2(9+3) = 24 not 2x12 because although you work out the brackets first, its 12 is still in the brackets rather than removing it with a x symbol. (i think)

    A number infront of brackets is just short form for x

    So 2x12 = 2(12) = 2(9+3).
  • EllieGEllieG Posts: 108,065
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    I think you're assuming that 2x12 is the same as 2(9+3).

    The 2(9+3) = 24 not 2x12 because although you work out the brackets first, its 12 is still in the brackets rather than removing it with a x symbol. (i think)

    ??

    No, as stated I am correctly working left to right so dividing 48 / 2 = 24.

    Then you multiply by the 12.

    The brackets just mean you add those two numbers together. A number next to a bracket you multiply.
  • ForestChavForestChav Posts: 35,127
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    It's only ever 2 because it's wrong to do sums from left to right - the order is defined by BIDMAS.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 21,014
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    Solve this equation > 48÷2(9+3) = ?

    Actually the words "solve this equation" are not greater than (>) than the sum of those numbers?

    S the answer is No. (?)
  • IphigeniaIphigenia Posts: 8,109
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    2
    .....
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 3,373
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    EllieG wrote: »
    48 ÷ 2 (9+3)

    First work the calc in brackets:
    => 48 ÷ 2 x 12

    Then from left to right so you divide first:
    => 24 x 12

    => 288

    No, because it still reads:
    48 / 2 (12)

    Even though you've simplified the term in brackets, it remains in brackets until you multiply it out by the 2. And if it's still in brackets then that multiplication is the next operation you should do.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 21,014
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    ForestChav wrote: »
    It's only ever 2 because it's wrong to do sums from left to right - the order is defined by BIDMAS.

    BODMAS/BIDMAS rules!:D
  • swingalegswingaleg Posts: 102,981
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    133

    :o:p
  • BaffrobesBaffrobes Posts: 3,699
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    :confused:42!
  • *weeschmoo**weeschmoo* Posts: 9,713
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    I got 288.

    I just did the sum as I saw it on the forum before reading the posts inside- now I have read inside I realise I don't know anything about these things.:o
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 101
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    Another way to look at it is division is the multiplication of the inverse.

    48 x (1/2) x (9+3) = 288
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 21,014
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    Maybe older posters who were taught in school to do it from left to right are getting 288, whereas those younger like myself, who were taught the bodmas method are getting 2?
  • EllieGEllieG Posts: 108,065
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    echad wrote: »
    No, because it still reads:
    48 / 2 (12)

    Even though you've simplified the term in brackets, it remains in brackets until you multiply it out by the 2. And if it's still in brackets then that multiplication is the next operation you should do.

    You don't multiply by 2.

    The rule is to work left to right, division and mutiplication are equal in order.
    The brackets are purely to ensure you add those two together. 48 / 2 (12) is the same formula as 48 / 2 x 12.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 101
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    ForestChav wrote: »
    It's only ever 2 because it's wrong to do sums from left to right - the order is defined by BIDMAS.

    The B in BIDMAS stands for brackets. The meaning of which is:

    "The terms INSIDE the brackets".

    NOT

    "Any term inside and next to the brackets".



    When you come to a stage when there is only operations left on the same level (multiplication and division are on the same level of precedence). You MUST work from left to right.
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