common error. (1 Viewer)

[nerdasdasd]

As far as I know there is no right answer
The only way to have a definite answer is to use brackets throughout
i.e. (6÷2)(1+2) or 6÷(2(1+2))

Too ambiguous?

 

[hayabusaboston]

Yes because BODMAS for multiplication and division should always go from left to right.

But the real question is. Why?

How can you 'prove' BODMAS?

The convention is start with brackets and go outwards iirc. Then BODMAS.

 

[braintic]

A number of people are quoting rules that don't exist.
For example "always DO brackets first". That rule is to always EVALUATE the contents of brackets first. It seems 'DO' has been substituted here to justify why the neighbouring multiplication should be evaluated before the division. One of many cases where imprecise language causes confusion.
The fact is that using a dot to represent multiplication, or using no operator at all, takes a higher precedence than the multiplication symbol. I don't think that there is a rule here, and I don't believe anyone has made such an edict. But that is the way years of convention seems to have settled the matter.
If the × was shown then you would have evaluated from left to right. It has nothing to do with 'doing' brackets first (whatever that was designed to mean), or 'starting with brackets and going outwards'.

 

[anomalousdecay]

Both solutions are equally correct. This occurs due to the inefficient use of notation.

 

[RealiseNothing]

A number of people are quoting rules that don't exist.
For example "always DO brackets first". That rule is to always EVALUATE the contents of brackets first. It seems 'DO' has been substituted here to justify why the neighbouring multiplication should be evaluated before the division. One of many cases where imprecise language causes confusion.
The fact is that using a dot to represent multiplication, or using no operator at all, takes a higher precedence than the multiplication symbol. I don't think that there is a rule here, and I don't believe anyone has made such an edict. But that is the way years of convention seems to have settled the matter.
If the × was shown then you would have evaluated from left to right. It has nothing to do with 'doing' brackets first (whatever that was designed to mean), or 'starting with brackets and going outwards'.

Yep pretty much this, multiplication by juxtaposition.