Author Topic: CP's math question  (Read 27301 times)

Offline chin

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Re: CP's math question
« Reply #10 on: 10 May 2011, 16:23:20 »
I understand both side 's arguement, one side says it's similAr to 1-2+3, it should be seen as -1+3=2, using other side's argument would evaluate 1-5=-4, also the priority of multiplication and divisions the same, hence the answer should be 3*3=9.

The other side view the formula as 6 / 2x and x is 3. And thus I think this is a case of ambiguity. I personally would like to view it as later case  :D


If a formula only have additions and subtractions and without any bracket, you can operate in any order.
But once a division come into the picture, you have to be careful about the order, unless you first transform the division into multiplication.

I also do not agree with your example of 6/2X means 2X operate first. The only time I would operate the 2X first is when the expression is written as

  6
----
 2X

which effectively is 6/(2X).

Offline hangchoi

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Re: CP's math question
« Reply #11 on: 10 May 2011, 16:51:13 »
We can ask our math teacher on 8 July
「吾心信其可行,則移山倒海之難,終有成功之日。吾心信其不可行,則反掌折枝之易,亦無收效之期也。」

Offline chin

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Re: CP's math question
« Reply #12 on: 10 May 2011, 17:03:34 »
We can ask our math teacher on 8 July

 ;D

Offline wongyan

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Re: CP's math question
« Reply #13 on: 10 May 2011, 17:35:20 »
6/2x should be expressed as 6x/2 then to avoid any ambiguity.
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