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

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

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

yes, you're right y2k, the rule goes this way:

Parentheses
Exponentiation
Multiplication
Division
Addition
Subtraction

=PEMDAS> easy was to remember it...

thank q

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.

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.

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

Your C program gives 8 on compile and run - that should settle it :)

Ill second that, the answer is 8