Re: [Math4u] 26 - 14 : 2 x 3 + 4² = ?

With the posts I have received so far, Brian is the only person who has begun to correct the "Aunt Sally" Algorithm.  The order of algebraic operations is much more complicated than dear aunt sally.  Multiplication and division are the same heirarchy and are done as written from left to right.  Addition and subtraction are also the same heirarchy and are done left to right also.  Parentheses are only one symbol of grouping.  What about symbols of grouping inside symbols of grouping?  What about roots?  What about evaluation of functions?  What about differentiation and integration?  Etc., etc.

 

Rethink the question and check the web (and a good mathematical encyclopedia) for the (more or less) complete order of operations.

 

Buck Dick

Vinaire <vinaire@yahoo.com> wrote:

The correct use of colon is in the ratios, but since there is no key for division symbol, some may substitute colon for the division symbol.... just my guess.

Vinaire

                                                                                                                                                  

----- Original Message ----
From: "Sbkidde@aol.com" <Sbkidde@aol.com>
To: Math4u@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Friday, November 23, 2007 10:53:46 PM
Subject: Re: [Math4u] 26 - 14 : 2 x 3 + 4² = ?

Making the order of ops exponent, division (left to right), multiplication then subtraction?

 

26 - 14 : 2 x 16 =

26 - 7 x 16 =
26 - 112 =

             = -86

 

If the colon means division, that would make a first for me...as far as I can remember.

 

I recall seeing a colon used in ratios but, ratios are not usually used in order of operation problems. Thus, the use of a colon in this kind of a problem would present as a kind of an anomaly.

If it represents a ratio in the problem, I think that it needs to be left in ratio form.

 

26 - 14 : 2 x 16
12 : 32 or 3 : 8.

sbk

 

In a message dated 11/23/2007 8:08:10 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, vinaire@yahoo. com writes:

 

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