6÷2(1+2)=?

[Bobmuhthol]

Love it on facebook, so I'm bringing it here, but it will inevitably be less funny here.

[Tgo01]

I'm going to have to ask everyone to show their work.

[WRoss]

6/2 = 2
1+2 = 3

Answer: 23

[Tgo01]

1+2 = 3
6/2 = 3
3x3 = 9 yes?

You don't do
1+2 = 3
2x3 = 6
6/6 = 1 right?

[Back]

Uno.

[Archigeek]

Actually, isn't the rule that when there are parenthesis and all else is equal, you do the work in perenthesis first?

[LMingrone]

Well, you're always taught in school to do the parenthesis first. You'd have to know what the equation is meant for, to know what to do first. Stupid question with no context. One that I see at least once a week on forums, and sites like Fark, Reddit, Slashdot, etc...

[Tsk Tsk]

Nevermind, heh.

[g++]

The answer is undefined because the expression is poorly written.

[Buckwheet]

Pretty much. I answered 9, but thats only because I reduced it in my head to not be retarded.

But then I realized I guess its both. Or something.

6
____

2(1+2)

or

6(1+2)
________
2

[Tsk Tsk]

Well, I'm thinking it's 1.

6÷2(1+2)
6÷2(3)
6÷6
=1

Because the three is still in parentheses after the addition, it still remains first in the order of operations even after solving the within. But I'm probably wrong, math isn't my strong-point.

[BriarFox]

Eh. Order of operations question. Since multiplication and division are equal, I just went left to right.

[Gelston]

How is it poorly written?

Start in Parenthesis. 1+2=3. So, 6÷2x3
Working left to right, we come upon division first. 6÷2=3. So, 3x3
We then complete the final problem to have 9.

[g++]

Because you DO NOT go left to right for no reason. Thats not part of the order of operations. 9 != 1 in China.

Its poorly written because math is meant to model real situations. There is no situation where the answer changes depending on which direction you read.

Well actually maybe in web development.

[Gelston]

http://www.google.com/#sclient=psy&hl=en&safe=off&site=&source=hp&q=6%C3%B72(1%2B2)&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=38664e7e8c090ddc

Google wins.

[g++]

Try throwing it in a graphical calculator and viewing it

[Gelston]

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110427155042AACb7d8

There is a good explanation of why it is 9.

[LMingrone]

It's just a stupid way to write it out purposely.

(6/2)*(1+2)
6/(2*(1+2))

Funny how that prof. says the parentheses are irrelevant, then keeps using them.

[g++]

It proves nothing. Its an argument to authority on which way people should read. There is nothing in the order of operations that implies you should go left to right.

[Gelston]

I was always taught left to right in middle school and high school.

[Gnome Rage]

PEMDAS!

[g++]

Apparently its actually LEFTTORIGHTPEDMAS where Gelston grew up.

[Gelston]

Well, this is the US. The official language of my state is English (and french) and you read those left to right. Either way, World War 3 will solve this eventually.

Basically, in my Middle and High School, if you answered that as 1, you'd get it wrong.

And this agrees with me. http://math.about.com/library/weekly/aa040502a.htm

[g++]

I just looked at your google calculator link again btw. It added the parens for you to fix the expression. The expression itself is basically a syntax error.

[g++]

And when China wins the answer will be 1. All hail our slant eyed overlords.

[LMingrone]

I just looked at your google calculator link again btw. It added the parens for you to fix the expression. The expression itself is basically a syntax error.

^This. It's set up this way to confuse people. No one in their right mind would use math like this.

[Tgo01]

Love it on facebook, so I'm bringing it here, but it will inevitably be less funny here.

You eating your words yet?

[DCSL]

Alex, I'm disappointed that you didn't make this public.

[Delias]

Alex, I'm disappointed that you didn't make this public.

I voted 9. I'm not particularly good at math, though, so take that for what it's worth.

[Gnome Rage]

I voted 9 too. But math is my worst subject, I just used Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally, and did it like that.

[Delias]

I voted 9 too. But math is my worst subject, I just used Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally, and did it like that.

I did the not-retarded version of that where I just remembered the actual words.

[LMingrone]

It's just stupid math using no context.

Fuck. I gotta go divide by zero now.

[Gnome Rage]

I did the not-retarded version of that where I just remembered the actual words.

Parenthesis, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, subtraction.

douche. Its a mnemonic.

[Delias]

Parenthesis, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, subtraction.

douche. Its a mnemonic.

I know what it is. I'm not the retard who needed a mnemonic to remember six words in sequence.

[LMingrone]

GR, your ring looks like mine. You need to photoshop my hand in my mouth.
http://img576.imageshack.us/img576/4172/ywpyw.jpg

[Jonty]

9. I read from left to right.

6÷2(1+2)=?
6÷2*3=?
3*3=?
9=9

[Nieninque]

oops I pressed the vote now button just after I realised I had erred.

[Jonty]

oops I pressed the vote now button just after I realised I had erred.

What did you vote for?

[Back]

What did you vote for?

Shes British. Shes not used to voting.

[Bobmuhthol]

Alex, I'm disappointed that you didn't make this public.

I thought about it after the fact, I didn't do it intentionally (default settings :().

[Bobmuhthol]

The answer is 9, btw. For the "but it's so ambiguous!" crowd, it's really not. If you use a set of rules (i.e. remove ambiguity) you have to arrive at an answer. However, we have one accepted set of rules, and using it you get 9. If you want to claim that it's 6/(2(1+2)), that's a different set of rules, so while it's not "wrong," it is. It would be like me claiming the numbers are now in base 8 so the answer should be 11. It's not written anywhere, so there is no ground to interpret it like that.

I don't understand the "left-to-right" argument at all, either. Or the "but Google fixes the syntax," really. (6/2)(1+2) = 6/2(1+2). You have the luxury of omitting parentheses when they're not needed.

Under strict rules, it would be written (((6) / (2)) * ((1) + (2))), but we eliminate parentheses because they're so fucking annoying.

[Bobmuhthol]

Well, I'm thinking it's 1.

6÷2(1+2)
6÷2(3)
6÷6
=1

Because the three is still in parentheses after the addition, it still remains first in the order of operations even after solving the within. But I'm probably wrong, math isn't my strong-point.

Order of operations says conduct all operations that occur inside parentheses first. Parentheses are not their own operation.

6÷2(1+2)
6÷2(3)
3(3)
9

[Bobmuhthol]

Because you DO NOT go left to right for no reason. Thats not part of the order of operations. 9 != 1 in China.

Its poorly written because math is meant to model real situations. There is no situation where the answer changes depending on which direction you read.

Well actually maybe in web development.

The answer doesn't change if you go left to right.

6/2(1+2)
6/2(3)
Okay, I'm going to fucking blow your mind and go "right to left."
6(3/2)
9

2 is a divisor, (1+2) is not.

[Asha]

6÷2(1+2)=Airwolf

[LMingrone]

Order of operations says conduct all operations that occur inside parentheses first. Parentheses are not their own operation.

6÷2(1+2)
6÷2(3)
3(3)
9

Like you said before, it depends on a set of rules. The rules are not given.

=horseradish

[Jayvn]

not given..but those rules should be known.... like..since middle school?

[LMingrone]

not given..but those rules should be known.... like..since middle school?


Yes, middle school. Write equations like this into software though and see the fail. Different languages would parse it differently and if you're writing, say an algorithm to trade stocks, you might die. Just sayin'.

[Jayvn]

yeah the equation is written shitty, but the rules apply... you'd just have to rewrite this same problem for the computer to understand it... same way you can't tell a computer to do something using our half ass English w/slang.

[Jayvn]

the only reason I remember this being from middle school is I placed like 3rd in my county at the math competition in the 8th grade :( God I was a fucking geeky kid...

[LMingrone]

:yes:

FTFY, because geeks are awesome. Just don't go full retard like Screech.

[Bobmuhthol]

The rules are, in fact, given. By math. Programming languages don't know logic, which is exactly why you have to tell them what logic is; some languages do this in a way that is very different from the way it is in math.

[Riltus]

6÷2(1+2)=?

1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 ÷ 1 + 1 x 1 + 1 + 1

1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + (1 ÷ 1 ) + (1 x 1) + 1 + 1

1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 9

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLprXHbn19I

Mark

[Warriorbird]

6÷2(1+2)=Airwolf

The answer.

[Some Rogue]

http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/48293

[iJin]

Alex is so hot when he speaks math.

[Jarvan]

Sad part is, I looked at this and was like, people really can't be this math illiterate.

[LMingrone]

Sad part is, I looked at this and was like, people really can't be this math illiterate.

I've seen no one post that seems math illiterate. You realize this is a question 10 year olds get in math class, right? It's not meant to get the right answer. It's meant to show that data is more important than numbers.

[Asha]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLprXHbn19I

Mark

That was cool :)

[Jarvan]

I've seen no one post that seems math illiterate. You realize this is a question 10 year olds get in math class, right? It's not meant to get the right answer. It's meant to show that data is more important than numbers.

I would argue that the right answer is clarification in the first place. Though once you are taught how to do these types of problems, you really shouldn't get it wrong.

Also I doubt very many 10 year olds get this problem. Course it's been a long time since I was 10, and even then I was bored in math class and barely paid attention. Was much more fun to do my sister's algebra.

That all being said, I really wasn't referring to anyone on these boards specifically, I was just surprised that with some of the debate and how some people read math problems.

[LMingrone]

I would argue that the right answer is clarification in the first place.

How do you argue against someone that is saying the same thing?

[Warriorbird]

http://www.reddit.com/r/WTF/comments/gyrmq/6212_reaaaaally/

[Jarvan]

How do you argue against someone that is saying the same thing?

Cause I like to argue? Heck in my family we argue about things like that all the time. Otherwise dinner is quiet and scary.

Also I haven't slept in 2 days so those 5 cells left floating around in my brain may not be firing correctly.

Stupid NCIS and Futurama Marathon.

[Liagala]

Like you said before, it depends on a set of rules. The rules are not given.
Actually, the rules are given. The expression is presented using arabic numerals, not Chinese characters. That rules out our slant eyed overlords (sorry Salv). The symbols indicating which mathematical operation to perform are Latin. That rules out actual Arabian right-to-left stuff (wikipedia knows all http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_Arabic_mathematical_notation). The only cultures that use that combination of symbols in mathematics, read left to right.

Following the correct order of operations, and reading left to right the way the expression is designed, you get 9. If the exact same expression was presented using Chinese characters, the correct answer would indeed be 1.

[LMingrone]

Actually, the rules are given, and very clearly. The expression is presented using arabic numerals, not Chinese characters. That rules out our slant eyed overlords (sorry Salv). The symbols indicating which mathematical operation to perform are Latin. That rules out actual Arabian right-to-left stuff (wikipedia knows all http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_Arabic_mathematical_notation). The only cultures that use that combination of symbols in mathematics, read left to right.

Following the correct order of operations, and reading left to right the way the expression is designed, you get 9.

Thanks for telling me things I already know. My point is that numbers mean nothing without context of how they being used, or what data they are using. Plug slices of pizza into the original equation. Someone's gonna get 9 and someone's gonna get 1. Wanna gamble? Write an algorithm that involves cash money with that math. See what happens.

Edit: The whole point of this question is to teach people to write/code stuff so they don't run into disaster, and handle their coding. There's a good read I'll try to find about two people setting their Amazon pricing against each other. The book got pushed up to $23million.

[Liagala]

Thanks for telling me things I already know. My point is that numbers mean nothing without context of how they being used, or what data they are using. Plug slices of pizza into the original equation. Someone's gonna get 9 and someone's gonna get 1.
This is true, but that wasn't the question. The original question just asked for an evaluation of a mathematical expression. It could be pizza or anything else. Depending on what it actually refers to, 9 might make no sense whatsoever - but absent contrary information, you go with the default. Default behavior in this case results in an answer of 9.

[LMingrone]

This is true, but that wasn't the question. The original question just asked for an evaluation of a mathematical expression. It could be pizza or anything else. Depending on what it actually refers to, 9 might make no sense whatsoever - but absent contrary information, you go with the default. Default behavior in this case results in an answer of 9.

You are correct. I'm just saying math is useless if it's not used as a tool.

[4a6c1]

undefined

[TheEschaton]

I think it's the tendancy to get rid of parenthesis that LEADS to the erroneous conclusion that the answer is 1.

You have:
6/2(1+2)
6/2(3),

the inclination is to spread the external factor over the internal parenthesized factors to get 6/6 = 1. Math people look at this and can't understand how people don't get 9, but that's because the problem is more a linguistic/syntactical issue. Even in math, in factorials you're taught to factor in the externals, but it's usually a given that a lower order operation (+ or -) precedes the antecedent.

In other words, I'm surprised there wasn't more of this:
6/2(1+2)
6/(2+4)
6/(6)
1

[LMingrone]

This shit is crazier than when I had to take Discrete Mathematics with a Russian professor that thought "cat" meant "add". He gave the whole class As. I think he wanted to keep his job.

6/2(1CAT2)

[Latrinsorm]

so while it's not "wrong," it is....whoa...
Plug slices of pizza into the original equation. Someone's gonna get 9 and someone's gonna get 1. Wanna gamble? Write an algorithm that involves cash money with that math. See what happens.I don't think you'll have any trouble getting Bobmuhthol to agree that some people are dumb; however, this has no bearing on what the correct answer is.
I'm just saying math is useless if it's not used as a tool.I know a math major who would cut you so bad you wish she no cut you so bad for saying that.
6÷2(1+2)=?

1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 ÷ 1 + 1 x 1 + 1 + 1

1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + (1 ÷ 1 ) + (1 x 1) + 1 + 1

1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 9Great reference, great application.

[LMingrone]

I know a math major who would cut you so bad you wish she no cut you so bad for saying that.Great reference, great application.

As long as she's a she. I didn't major in math, but I'm pretty good at it! She can be me 101st friend! I even have a knife collection she can cut me with!

http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/4119/27282190.png

[4a6c1]

Oh thats what I get for not reading the thread before I posted. I just looked at it, saw that it was written incorrectly and assumed it was undefined and you were fucking with our heads. Blah.

[4a6c1]

As long as she's a she. I didn't major in math, but I'm pretty good at it! She can be me 101st friend! I even have a knife collection she can cut me with!

http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/4119/27282190.png

L Has 3 Questions!!!! I need to go answer those questions!!!

[LMingrone]

L Has 3 Questions!!!! I need to go answer those questions!!!

Yes
No
ALF

[4a6c1]

lol

[Stanley Burrell]

PEMDAS. I wasn't cool enough to skip school in the second grade.

[Ayamei]

Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally? Hurray for third grade mathematics?

[Drunken Durfin]

Majored in philosophy.

Fuck math.

Where is my bong...

[Stanley Burrell]

Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally? Hurray for third grade mathematics?

Word, son.

We were such badasses, we would whisper, "Please Exhume My Dead Aunt Sally" when the teachers couldn't hear.

Because, you know, we were badasses.

[Ayamei]

I'm surprised at the amount of people answering this wrong.

[Androidpk]

I'm surprised at the amount of people answering this wrong.

Seriously.

[Stanley Burrell]

I'm surprised at the amount of people answering this wrong.

I don't think it's a matter of wrong or right. I'm leaning towards rudimentary order of operations because it is a mathematician's job to be lazy.

I mean, you could turn the delta in a chemistry reaction into a representation of an algebraic numeric variable and look at it completely differently ... Or you could assume the initial equation to be totally false because "?" = whatever/other/etc.

In the end, we all die.

[4a6c1]

I love that you were up at 1:44 am thinking about this. ;)

[Stanley Burrell]

D'oh.

[Androidpk]

I'm still up thinking about this.

[Jayvn]

six divided by two times (one plus two)
(six) divided by (two) times (three)
(three) times (three)
nine......

I'm still confused at those confused...

[Androidpk]

six divided by two times (one plus two)
(six) divided by (two) times (three)
(three) times (three)
nine......

I'm still confused at those confused...

I think they're trolling.

[Jayvn]

did this get linked yet
http://www.mathsisfun.com/operation-order-pemdas.html
it's colorful...so.. yeah...

[Jayvn]

well, I did graduate with a guy who could barely read.

[Jayvn]

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KM72MzRKZ7s/TLIM1s3dPdI/AAAAAAAAANw/vRovDZ0Bt6Q/s1600/1.jpg

[Androidpk]

http://static.funnyjunk.com/pictures/fucking_magic.jpg

[Tsk Tsk]

First answer for me was 9 but then I started over-thinking it... and second guessing myself because I figured I just couldn't be that good at complex math equations (such as this one) and knew there had to be a way to to get the answer that I had not concluded.

[HJFudge]

Guys. Its 1. PEMDAS.

6/2(1+2).
6/2(3)
Now. You MULTIPLY before you DIVIDE (Yes yes I know they are equal but! The way the expression is written, the dividing line sets up a grouping where it is 6 over 2x3, in which case in order to solve the fraction you have to solve for the denominator first)
The 6 is divided by the 2 AND the 3.
6/6
1

If they wanted us to multiply 3 with the 6/2, they would have put the () before the 2, not after.

Edit for clarification: If they wanted it to be 9, it would be (1+2)6/2, putting the 18 in the numerator and 2 in the denominator making it 9.

Edit number 2: No. I am wrong. It is 9. I was given poor information by a math teacher.

[Jarvan]

Guys. Its 1. PEMDAS.

6/2(1+2).
6/2(3)
Now. You MULTIPLY before you DIVIDE (Yes yes I know they are equal but! The way the expression is written, the dividing line sets up a grouping where it is 6 over 2x3, in which case in order to solve the fraction you have to solve for the denominator first)
The 6 is divided by the 2 AND the 3.
6/6
1

If they wanted us to multiply 3 with the 6/2, they would have put the () before the 2, not after.

Edit for clarification: If they wanted it to be 9, it would be (1+2)6/2, putting the 18 in the numerator and 2 in the denominator making it 9.

Edit number 2: No. I am wrong. It is 9. I was given poor information by a math teacher.

Thing is.. there IS no Numerator and Denominator in the original equation. it's a divide symbol, not a fraction.

[Bobmuhthol]

Fractions are division. The numerator is 6(1+2) and the denominator is 2. Alternatively, if you don't like fractions for some reason (???), the dividend is 6(1+2) and the divisor is 2. Remember: the divisor is at the door.

[Ayamei]

I'm changing my answer to 7. I like 7. Please don't ask me to show my work.

[Jayvn]

3 > 7 Ayamei

[Androidpk]

42 is more likely than 1 AND 7.

[NocturnalRob]

Fractions are division. The numerator is 6(1+2) and the denominator is 2. Alternatively, if you don't like fractions for some reason (???), the dividend is 6(1+2) and the divisor is 2. Remember: the divisor is at the door.
This will not get you laid.

[Delias]

I am a self confessed math retard, and I am still better at math than at least 28 people here. This makes me feel slightly better about myself.

[Androidpk]

I am a self confessed math retard, and I am still better at math than at least 28 people here. This makes me feel slightly better about myself.


QFT.

[iJin]

This will not get you laid.

I beg to differ. Numbers are hot!

[Cephalopod]

This will not get you laid.

That, sir, is where you are wrong.



Axxxx: im never smart enough...... ill never be stephen hawkings or whatnot
Axxxx: so i dont relaly get anything but a meaningless pat on the back
Lady Adriata: Stephen Hawking gets mad pussy yo
Axxxx: ..... uhm
Axxxx: stephenhawkings is a mute quadrapalegic.
Lady Adriata: I thought he was a football player!
Axxxx is away

and


This is why Stephen Hawking gets mad pussy, yo.

[Androidpk]

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-38Tvf2t-LTs/TWJbG_ERQoI/AAAAAAAABeg/zyHabGWE4ds/s400/babe+magnet.jpg