48÷2(9+3)

[paddy]

No you're right. It's the same thing. 2(9 + 3) = 2 * (9 + 3). The multiplication symbol is implied when you put a number beside the parentheses.

The answer is the same but the operation is not; though 2x = 2*x the difference is 2x is one number while 2*x has two, both the x and the 2, this is why the order of operation is to complete the 2x prior to the division.

[ArcticKat]

If 48/2x=2
Where x = 12
and 12 = 9+3
then 2x = 24
48/24 = 2

QED

Wrong. There is no "x" in the equation. Left to right, not right to left. 48/2 = 24(12)
24 X 12 = 288

But I don't expect you to agree, you have the right to be wrong.

[kevind]

But earlier..it was said you work from left to right

48 / 2 = 24

24 * (9+3) becomes 24 * 12 because you do the logic in the ()'s first

24 * 12 = 288

Paddy did the * before the / in his answer

If 48/2x=2
Where x = 12
and 12 = 9+3
then 48/2 = 24
then 24 * 12 = 288

[paddy]

x is used in math as a place holder for an unknown

If you agree that 48/2x=2 where x = 12 then the same process must be applied when x is known, in this instance (9+3)

[Expat]

x is used in math as a place holder for an unknown

If you agree that 48/2x=2 where x = 12 then the same process must be applied when x is known, in this instance (9+3)

Chapeau!
ex

[ArcticKat]

x is used in math as a place holder for an unknown

If you agree that 48/2x=2 where x = 12 then the same process must be applied when x is known, in this instance (9+3)

Then you're using your placeholder wrong. Because there is no unknown.

In this case the unknown is actually the answer to the equation, so it should read 48/2(9+3) = X

48/2=x Not 48/2x

Thus 24=x

If you insist on using needless placeholders in the middle of a perfectly good equation.

What you're thinking is algebra.

2x=12, what is X?

12/2 = x
12/2 = 6
therefore 6 = x
2(6) = 12

[paddy]

x is used in math as a place holder for an unknown

If you agree that 48/2x=2 where x = 12 then the same process must be applied when x is known, in this instance (9+3)

Then you're using your placeholder wrong. Because there is no unknown.

48/2=x Not 48/2x

Thus 24=x

If you insist on using needless placeholders.

What you're thinking is algebra.

2x=12, what is X?


In this case the unknown is actually the answer to the equation, so it should read 48/2(9+3) = X

12/2 = x
12/2 = 6
therefore 6 = x
2(6) = 12

You clearly missed the point!

[ArcticKat]

You clearly missed the point!

No I didn't, I just gave an example of how to properly use your "place holder"

No worries, I'm not here to defend my position because I know I'm right, just like you know that you're right. I'm just trying to reassure those who are beginning to question themselves that they are correct that 288 is the right answer.

Edit:
I'll make you guys a deal, go to a local 5th grade math teacher with this equation and ask them to solve it for you. I will do the same. I am willing to expose myself to the embarrassment of having to ask my kid's math teacher to solve this equation even though I know quite well how to solve it if you are also. Then, when you get an education and an answer of 288 i expect you to come back here and publicly proclaim that you were wrong.

If I get an education and the answer is 2, I will do the same.

Of course, I am expecting you to be honourable gents and be honest when you are proven to be mistaken.

[paddy]

(quote)Then you're using your placeholder wrong. Because there is no unknown.

[/quote]

My example was not to try and insert a place holder, but to explain order or operation, thus you did miss the point. I do agree that in the question above the unknown or x would be the answer or more specifically 2.

[ArcticKat]

x is used in math as a place holder for an unknown

My example was not to try and insert a place holder,

Now you're just arguing with yourself.

[Expat]

Arctic,
Without getting personal, I think you are from that new generation that cannot get us back to the moon. That generation that is always right...
When was the last time you used a slide rule???

[paddy]

"]

No worries, I'm not here to defend my position because I no right,

Of course, I am mistaken.

\]

Two can play at that game!

[cdnpilot77]

x is used in math as a place holder for an unknown

If you agree that 48/2x=2 where x = 12 then the same process must be applied when x is known, in this instance (9+3)

So to make it the same and not answer a different equation all together you could read it as

48/2(x)=
NOT 48/2x


We know that x= 12
so it becomes 48/2(12)
Which is the same as 48/2*12
which then becomes 24*12
which = 288

This is crazy

[paddy]

q

[wowo]

No you're right. It's the same thing. 2(9 + 3) = 2 * (9 + 3). The multiplication symbol is implied when you put a number beside the parentheses.

The answer is the same but the operation is not; though 2x = 2*x the difference is 2x is one number while 2*x has two, both the x and the 2, this is why the order of operation is to complete the 2x prior to the division.

I LOL'd at this. 2x is still two numbers: 2 and x. There is absolutely no difference between 2x and 2*x.

There are a million other threads about this very same topic all over the internet, and I don't think any of them have reached a consensus. I'm not going to comment on this any further but please try using any calculator made in the last 20 years, or look at what either of these two reputable web sites have to say:

http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=48 ... 289%2B3%29
http://www.google.ca/search?sourceid=ch ... B72(9%2B3)

You'd think Google or Wolfram would know how to do simple math, no?

[ArcticKat]

Arctic,
Without getting personal, I think you are from that new generation that cannot get us back to the moon. That generation that is always right...

And how is that not getting personal? That's no different than me saying...Not to get personal, but you're an idiot. But I'm not so passionate about this topic as to make ad hominem attacks in an attempt to degrade my opponent in this debate and elevate myself.

When was the last time you used a slide rule???

In High School.

I can admit when I'm wrong, and I do admit when I am wrong when the evidence disproves my position. In this instance, I do not believe I am wrong and I have seen no evidence, only incorrect math equations. If I am proven to be incorrect, I will eat crow, but so far my 12 year old and my 15 year old both get the same answer I do as well as every online math software I've tried.

"]

No worries, I'm not here to defend my position because I no right,

Of course, I am mistaken.

\]

Two can play at that game!

What game would that be? I quoted you verbatim and in context, where in this thread did I make those statements you're attempting to peg on me?

[azimuthaviation]

25/(21+25)= 54% of avcanadians are unable to do grade 7 math. all ya need to know

[ArcticKat]

+1

and for everyone who thinks the answer is 2...37/37(17-18).

[Lemon]

I have a Sharp scientific calculator,

When I type the equation in as 48/2(9+3) it gives an answer of 2.
When I type it in as 48/2*(9+3) it gives an answer of 288.

No word of a lie. try it.

[Siddley Hawker]

I prefer the simple equations myself.

[mdscientist61]

Oh no, it looks like the team I'm cheering for is losing. Come on team, we need more people to vote for 288.

If you start with this: 48/2(9+3)

you have to realize that the multiplication sign between the 2 and the parentheses is implied, as other people have already explained.

You also have to realize that the divide-by-two has to be the equivalent of multiply-by-0.5

So you can re-write the equation like this.

(48)*(1/2)*(9+3)

and you get 288.

Hmm, I never realized before that mathematics was a democracy. I always thought it was based on logical proof.

Now will somebody *please* post some pictures of lovely cheer-leaders to encourage more people to vote for 288.

Next week, we can vote to repeal the law of gravity. That would be impressive.

[mdscientist61]

I have a Sharp scientific calculator,

When I type the equation in as 48/2(9+3) it gives an answer of 2.
When I type it in as 48/2*(9+3) it gives an answer of 288.

No word of a lie. try it.

Wow that is scary stuff. Let's do an experiment with a hypothetical situation.

Imagine I've just bought a nice new airplane that burns 48 gallons-per-hour.
It has two fuel tanks, one in each wing.
I'm going to fly it to an island in the middle of a shark-infested ocean. The island is 9 hours of flying time away.
I'm planning to carry 3 hours of reserve fuel because my wife is one of my passengers and we really dislike sharks.

So in my new pilot's handbook for the airplane the equation for gallons of fuel to be carried in each one of the two tanks is:
(48 gallons-per-hour)/(2 tanks)( 9 hours + 3 hours)

and I enter it in my Sharp Scientific Calculator as

48/2(9+3)

[culver10]

[AOW]

I prefer the simple equations myself.

Ok, am I the only one who is bothered by this? First of all, what are the limits of integration, and what is the variable of integration?

Second, if we assume that the variable of integration is dx, then the solution is e^x + k, so where the heck does u^n come into the picture?

Somebody should tell that girl that perhaps people would pay attention to her for her mind, and not just her body, if she could bother to integrate properly!

[Lemon]

AOW - yes, you are the only one bothered by that. ha