• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

48÷2(9+3) =

Page 22 - Seeking answers? Join the AnandTech community: where nearly half-a-million members share solutions and discuss the latest tech.

48÷2(9+3) =

  • ?

  • 288

  • 2

Results are only viewable after voting.
The fact that this community is divided over the answer.. indicates how ambiguous the expression is.

P.S. I voted for 288
 
DrPizza said:
Okay, who here would interpret 6x² ÷ 2x to get 3x^3? Anyone who's not a troll?

Go ahead, speedemon, stick in 2's and 3's. The rest of the world is going to get 3x, not 3x^3.
Click to expand...

The rest of the world would probably get 3x, but it doesn't make it right. That's why an expression like that is never written that way: to prevent people from making the mistake of thinking the answer is 3x.
 
It should be 288. But.... if you were writing an interpreter for it, it would end up as 2. Because the 2( is a special notation, you have to evaluate it. Which would lead to about everyone "compiling" it to write the first pass as solving it at 2. I learned RPN once and I have been screwed up every since anyway.
 
her209 said:
2 is winning because its the correct answer.
Click to expand...

2 is winning because those here who know math, know that the expression is a not a real expression. Therefore real math folks aren't answering because there is no answer. The folks voting in the poll are people who don't know much.

My guess is that 2 is winning because most people here don't have 288 fingers & toes.

EDIT I voted 288 because I'm a programmer
 
Last edited:
DrPizza said:
Okay, who here would interpret 6x² ÷ 2x to get 3x^3? Anyone who's not a troll?

Go ahead, speedemon, stick in 2's and 3's. The rest of the world is going to get 3x, not 3x^3.
Click to expand...

The problem is because you're using variables, and 2x is accepted as a term 2x. No one has to write it as (2x).

When you start writing the original problem as is, you treat 2(9+3) as 2*(9+3). This is independent of the division that's present. Even with the division, the lack of sufficient parenthesis implies that you convert 2(9+3) into 2*(9+3).

If you wanted to be cool with implied multiplication YET wanted to make sure that the whole term went under the fraction, you would've written it 48÷(2(9+3)). But since it's not, 288 is clearly correct.

You're using 2x, 3x, 5x^2 or whatever as examples, but it's clear that we treat them as one term. 2x. 3x. 5x^2.

Do you treat 2(9+3) as one whole term? It's more like (x+1)(x+2) than it is x^2.

The other thing about x^2 is it's an implied (x*x). 1/x^2 is not 1/x*x. It's 1/(x*x). I'd interpret 1/x*x as 1 and not 1/x^2
 
Last edited:
It's intentionally written in a way to confuse people. All you people who are mocking those who answered 2 should at least acknowledge that.

a ÷ b(c) (people naturally want to do the multiplication first since it appears grouped)
a ÷ b x c (most will get it right now)
 
DLeRium said:
The problem is because you're using variables, and 2x is accepted as a term 2x. No one has to write it as (2x).

When you start writing the original problem as is, you treat 2(9+3) as 2*(9+3). This is independent of the division that's present. Even with the division, the lack of sufficient parenthesis implies that you convert 2(9+3) into 2*(9+3).

If you wanted to be cool with implied multiplication YET wanted to make sure that the whole term went under the fraction, you would've written it 48÷(2(9+3)). But since it's not, 288 is clearly correct.

You're using 2x, 3x, 5x^2 or whatever as examples, but it's clear that we treat them as one term. 2x. 3x. 5x^2.

Do you treat 2(9+3) as one whole term? It's more like (x+1)(x+2) than it is x^2.

The other thing about x^2 is it's an implied (x*x). 1/x^2 is not 1/x*x. It's 1/(x*x). I'd interpret 1/x*x as 1 and not 1/x^2
Click to expand...

Pizza is just trolling by adding the variables. He knows everything you just said.
 
I voted 2, and I can't believe there are over 500 posts arguing this poorly written expression.

You would literally never see a problem written like this in any real world situation.
 
M0RPH said:
It's intentionally written in a way to confuse people. All you people who are mocking those who answered 2 should at least acknowledge that.

a ÷ b(c) (people naturally want to do the multiplication first since it appears grouped)
a ÷ b x c (most will get it right now)
Click to expand...

Exactly.
 
M0RPH said:
It's intentionally written in a way to confuse people. All you people who are mocking those who answered 2 should at least acknowledge that.

a ÷ b(c) (people naturally want to do the multiplication first since it appears grouped)
a ÷ b x c (most will get it right now)
Click to expand...

I think this is actually a more appropriate analogy:

a ÷ bc

Or what if it was

a/bc
 
M0RPH said:
It's intentionally written in a way to confuse people. All you people who are mocking those who answered 2 should at least acknowledge that.

a ÷ b(c) (people naturally want to do the multiplication first since it appears grouped)
a ÷ b x c (most will get it right now)
Click to expand...
But that's just it, the lot that somehow "naturally" want to do the multiplication first because it "appears grouped" is wrong. Just because it "appears grouped" doesn't make it ACTUALLY grouped.

The poll confirms my suspicion, that there are roughly 50% stupid people out there, in any group. 😉
 
M0RPH said:
It's intentionally written in a way to confuse people. All you people who are mocking those who answered 2 should at least acknowledge that.
Click to expand...

Except people are still trying to say it's 2. They aren't admitting they made a mistake, they are defending their mistake, and convincing other that it's 2.
 
I gotta admit, I've been pulling for 2 for a couple of days now.

Shows how I really feel about most of you bastahds!

:awe:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top