Simple math equation

This is how I see it. I’m not saying it correct, it’s just how I see it.

8÷2 (4 – 2) = ?

Always calculate what’s in parenthesis first, so 4 - 2 = 2

8÷2 (2) = ?

Then calculate the rest, 8÷2 = 4

4 (2) = ?

Even though there is no multiplication sign there, everything outside of the parenthesis is multiplied by what’s in inside the parenthesis. Only dividing if there was another division sign imediatly in frot of the the original parenthesis expression.

4 X (2) = ?

Simply 4 X 2 = 8


In reality, as I see it, the original exspession is saying this, 8÷2 X(4 – 2) = ?

Even though there is no multiplication sign in the original.
 

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When to Use PEMDAS?​

The PEMDAS approach is used when a mathematical expression or question has more than one operation. PEMDAS in Math provides you with a structured approach to generating a specific answer for each mathematical expression. When using the PEMDAS system, there is a set of rules that must be followed in order. When you’ve mastered these laws, you’ll be able to perform several tasks at once.

Points to Remember When Using PEMDAS​

  • The operations in brackets should be solved first.
  • Solve the exponents in the expression after that.
  • Carry out multiplication or division from left to right, whichever comes first.
  • Carry out addition or subtraction from left to right, whichever comes first.
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What is the point of listing the operations in descending order if you can flip the order between Mult/Div and Add/Sub?
 
I can see why this would confuse internet users since even different calculators can render different answers depending on whether or not they are simple or scientific. I have never heard of PEMDAS or "whatever that other one is." I just used my memorized Order of Operations taught in 7th grade and throughout all my following years of math. I actually have a simple calculator, as well as a scientific, as the simple calculator is slightly easier to use for simple arithmetic such as calculating gas mileage. And I still have a slide rule around here someplace, which I never use. I just have it as a keepsake. I remember when calculators first started showing up and some engineering student in college said, "Slide rules will become a thing of the past." I didn't debate him, but it was hard to wrap my mind around it. How could anyone be an engineer without a slide rule?

Incidentally, you can get the correct answer with a simple calculator, if you are willing to use the order of operations in your head. You may have to get an answer for part of the problem, remember it, and apply it to a separate calculation to get the final answer. A scientific calculator knows the order of operations and lets you put the entire equation in and then it does the dirty work all at once.
 
SeniorBen said:
The Windows calculator has a "scientific" mode.
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I'll be! There so much stuff in a desktop computer, that I have no idea what all is in there. I just went to my windows calculator, which I use from time to time, and noticed I could click "view" and it went from simple to scientific. There are also views for programmer mode and statistic mode, and I don't even have a clue what those are or what they do.
 
Prior to this little exercise I had not heard of PEMDAS and BODMAS.

In college I had an algebra professor that made math actually something one could understand, rather than taking it all on "faith". It was my recollection that you could rearrange and solve an equation for simplification, I presume. But, I recall a hierarchy in the rules when ( ) and [ ] and such were involved. and that if a number was located in close proximity to the parens, like as in 2(4-2) then that was a multiplication exponent of the product contained within the parens, and would be completed before involving other operations. So, to me dividing 8 by the product of 2x(4-2) would be the last operation, and would yield =2.

So here is my main concern these days, regarding math:

342543511_1711166825970637_2985656851938285275_n.jpg
 
Magna-Carta said:
This is how I see it. I’m not saying it correct, it’s just how I see it.

8÷2 (4 – 2) = ?

Always calculate what’s in parenthesis first, so 4 - 2 = 2

8÷2 (2) = ?

Then calculate the rest, 8÷2 = 4

4 (2) = ?

Even though there is no multiplication sign there, everything outside of the parenthesis is multiplied by what’s in inside the parenthesis. Only dividing if there was another division sign imediatly in frot of the the original parenthesis expression.

4 X (2) = ?

Simply 4 X 2 = 8


In reality, as I see it, the original exspession is saying this, 8÷2 X(4 – 2) = ?

Even though there is no multiplication sign in the original.
Click to expand...
I think that this equation could have been more clearly written right from the start.

My version would be 8/(2(4-2))
 
Nathan said:
Prior to this little exercise I had not heard of PEMDAS and BODMAS.

In college I had an algebra professor that made math actually something one could understand, rather than taking it all on "faith". It was my recollection that you could rearrange and solve an equation for simplification, I presume. But, I recall a hierarchy in the rules when ( ) and [ ] and such were involved. and that if a number was located in close proximity to the parens, like as in 2(4-2) then that was a multiplication exponent of the product contained within the parens, and would be completed before involving other operations. So, to me dividing 8 by the product of 2x(4-2) would be the last operation, and would yield =2.
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I think you may be right. This is starting to sound familiar so 2(4-2) is a stand alone quantity that divides into 8. It's been a long time since I have used order of operations. I'm changing my answer to 2.

I still don't know why this is such a problem for internet users with so many coming up with different numbers. Surely some math geek in college could have simply waded in an explained it, rather than guys like me trying to remember something I learned 60 years ago.🧑‍🎓
 
Magna-Carta said:
But then wouldnt that be a different equation?
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I think it's the same, just clearer.... Do the stuff in parentheses first, starting with the innermost parentheses. Maybe the original equation which confused everyone was simply a bad equation. Or maybe it's still acceptable (call in the geek). Or maybe it is different with a different answer.

Hell, this isn't a gun debate or an abortion debate. It has a correct solution. Someone knows the answer. Math doesn't render political solutions.
 
I got 2, but after watching that linked YouTube video, I guess that means I'm using the 1917 rules instead of PEMDAS.

I knew I was old, but gee 1917 math?
 
To add to the confusion- here's a screenshot for making the waters even muddier:
Screenshot-at-2023-04-23-15-36-26.png

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_operations
 
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Nathan said:
Well I think we all agree to work the bracket(4-2 which equals 2), From there that product should be multiplied by 2, since the 2 is adjacent to the parenthesized equation. That equals 4. finally, the 8 gets divided by 4(eg: 8/4) which equals 2.

Edit: using a calculator tapping out 8÷2 x 2 does equal 8... :unsure:
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In my heart I know that it's really 2!
 
Here is a clue: it is said to be the loneliest number.

Strike that. I was hasty. It is indeed twice that amount.
 

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