8 ms·
I enjoyed the bit at the end where the writer managed to use the wrong (IMO) formula to arrive at the correct answer. Using BEDMAS as I was taught, so many moo
by Rust 14y ago
I enjoyed the bit at the end where the writer managed to use the wrong (IMO) formula to arrive at the correct answer.
Using BEDMAS as I was taught, so many moons ago:
6 ÷ 2 ( 1 + 2 )
6 ÷ 2 ( 3 )
6 ÷ 2 * 3 // because 2(3) is not an exponent or algebraic construct, it's straight multiplication
3 * 3 // division and multiplication are in left-to-right order, no precedence
9
- Rust 14y agoUpdate: after reading the article at http://www.matthewcompher.com/posts/trouble-with-semantics-the-obelus-or-division-symbol-%C3%B7/ http://www.matthewcompher.com/posts/trouble-with-semantics-t... , the writer used the ÷ as a line operator, not a natural division operation. I would maintain that since this is not taught in any school I've ever attended, it is at least questionable. I've never seen a math textbook use the / symbol for natural division either.
- falling 14y agoI never knew about the distinction either. But if interpreted that way 6 ÷ 2 (1 + 2) should then translate to 6 / (2 * (1 + 2)) = 1 I guess this only reaffirms the fact that the expression is ambiguous.
- falling 14y agothat seems wrong to me too, either I lost my math or I don’t see how he went from 6 ÷ 2 (1 + 2) to (6 * (1 + 2)) / 2