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Thread: Basic Algebra

  1. #1
    Junior Member
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    Basic Algebra

    Hey, my mom and I are arguing over the answer to this simple math question. Help us out. What's the answer?

    4 * 3 / 3 * 2 = ?

    This isn't a fraction, and "3 / 3" is not a fraction. I would use that little sign with the line with a dot on the top and bottom, but I don't know how to make it.

    I think the answer is 8. She insists it's 2. I thought order of operations says that it goes left to right with multiplication or division. She says that you multiply on each side of the division sign first, though. Can anyone verify this?

    Thanks,
    Ramzi

  2. #2
    Webius Designerous Indiginous
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    It is in fact 8

    4*3/3*2 works out to be

    12/3*2 from left to write you do multiplying or dividing, whichever comes first. so

    (12/3)*2 division comes first.

    4*2

    8

    sorry mom

  3. #3
    Senior Member
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    believe mt, the answer is 2
    4*3 = 12
    3*2 = 6
    12/6 = 2



    well ur mom right

    xmaddness wondering u somehow multiply 4*2 . u make it wrong here, (12/3)*2. u suppose to wrote it (12/3)*1/2. where i get 1/2. actually the operation is divide but dunno somehow u change it to multiple. so the answer is 2.

    the lesson is, never argue with ur mom if u're not really sure. lol

  4. #4
    Senior Member
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    yes, you're right y2k, the rule goes this way:

    Parentheses
    Exponentiation
    Multiplication
    Division
    Addition
    Subtraction

    =PEMDAS> easy was to remember it...
    Opinions are like holes - everybody\'s got\'em.

    Smile

  5. #5
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    thank q

  6. #6
    Senior Member
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    sorry y2k, it's 8. and my ti-89 agrees with me.

    http://amby.com/educate/ord-op/
    mulitiplication and division have the same precidence:

    Parentheses (Innermost, first)
    Exponents (Powers or roots)
    Multiply or Divide (from LEFT-to-RIGHT)
    Add or Subtract (from LEFT-to-RIGHT)
    * First, copy the problem EXACTLY.
    * Then go through each level of operations (Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally).
    * DO THE OPERATIONS WITHIN EACH LEVEL FROM LEFT-TO-RIGHT.
    * Write the answer directly below the operation sign.
    * Bring down the other numbers (be careful not to re-use any).
    * Continue until all operations are completed.
    U suk at teh intuhnet1!!1!1one

  7. #7
    Senior Member
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    I agree the answer is 8.I've always went by what jabberwocky has posted and have gotten good grades in algebra.Besides my calculator said so.
    [shadow]I don\'t believe in anarchy.If you\'re not smart enough to beat the system it\'s your problem. [/shadow]


  8. #8
    try this
    #include <stdio.h>
    main()
    {
    int c;
    c = 4 * 3 / 3 * 2;
    printf("\n %d" , c) ;
    }
    compile and run it..

    but i hope its 8

  9. #9
    Senior Member
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    Your C program gives 8 on compile and run - that should settle it

  10. #10
    It's a gas!
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    Ill second that, the answer is 8

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