6÷2(1+2) = ? Correct Answer Explained By Mathematician

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  • čas přidán 1. 07. 2024
  • What is 6÷2(1+2) = ? This problem went viral and generated millions of comments on Facebook, Twitter, CZcams and social media sites. I explain how to get the correct answer by using the modern interpretation of the order of operations. I also explain how you would get a different answer under historical usage of the division symbol. (Note: some people write 6/2(1 + 2) = but this has the same answer.)
    I studied Mathematics and Economics at Stanford. Press coverage of my work:
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    *I get many, many emails about this problem and am unable to reply to them.
    Blog (text explanation): wp.me/p6aMk-4OV
    Slate explains the history of the division symbol
    www.slate.com/articles/health_...
    Here is a 1917 article from "The American Mathematical Monthly" that explains the usage of the division symbol as an exception to the order of operations
    www.jstor.org/stable/2972726?s...
    Google evaluation
    www.google.com/#q=6%C3%B72(1%2B2)
    WolframAlpha evaluation
    www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=...)
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Komentáře • 130K

  • @MindYourDecisions
    @MindYourDecisions  Před 2 lety +1802

    20 million views!

    • @idontclickbait8453
      @idontclickbait8453 Před 2 lety +10

      Really a good video!

    • @lavion8090
      @lavion8090 Před 2 lety +1

      lesgo

    • @gandolph999
      @gandolph999 Před 2 lety +8

      It has millions of views because the problem initially looks too simple to have a video (and it is an excellent video).
      I wondered if I missed something and chose to watch.
      So, the order of operations rules were revised and both 9 and 1 are correct answers.
      I thought it was 1 (the algebraic grouping of terms as you noted).
      Great to know the rules changed.
      Thanks for making the video.

    • @mlas1308
      @mlas1308 Před 2 lety +2

      @@idontclickbait8453 It is a good video

    • @alfredoooooooooooooooooooooooo
      @alfredoooooooooooooooooooooooo Před 2 lety +5

      Great video, still slightly confused because I am taught that x(y) is one term and should be treated as 1 number but glad to learn that there are 2 different systems

  • @danielrushing55
    @danielrushing55 Před 4 lety +30303

    1960 we will have flying cars in the future
    2020: world debate over 5th grade math

  • @WhyThisMedia
    @WhyThisMedia Před 4 lety +15803

    This is not a math problem... this is a rule problem....

    • @RS-fg5mf
      @RS-fg5mf Před 4 lety +665

      The rules support the correct answer 9

    • @blubber0_0
      @blubber0_0 Před 4 lety +150

      Yeah, technically this rule doesn’t have to be a thing. Just for convenience.

    • @jude3426
      @jude3426 Před 4 lety +293

      Blubber Beast um it definitely DOES have to be a thing. It’s there for a reason

    • @RS-fg5mf
      @RS-fg5mf Před 4 lety +71

      @@jude3426 it doesn't give priority to multiplication over division...
      It is for convenience and less clutter....

    • @LunaEllis
      @LunaEllis Před 4 lety +306

      @@RS-fg5mf Can we just agree to use the fraction sign when diving? It makes the intended outcome a whole lot clearer

  • @ronnycook3569
    @ronnycook3569 Před 10 měsíci +300

    IMO the real answer is "don't write expressions this way." You write expressions so that they can't be easily misinterpreted. If there's any possible confusion, add parentheses to resolve the confusion. This is particularly so when dealing with non-commutative operations such as subtraction and division.
    This probably comes from a background in computer programming; you don't want to make assumptions about order of operations, because while the people who implement the languages usually have standards to work from, they sometimes screw up. (To make things even more complicated, in computer programs sometimes operations have side effects - like "x++ + x" in C - "x++" evaluates x then increments it, so the value depends on whether the left or right side of the addition is interpreted first. The solution is "don't write it that way.". Eliminates confusion and therefore bugs.)

    • @GanonTEK
      @GanonTEK Před 10 měsíci +10

      100%

    • @northwestclasspnw7974
      @northwestclasspnw7974 Před 10 měsíci +4

      Amen

    • @benvergus1573
      @benvergus1573 Před 9 měsíci +8

      Its just the correct way of writing it, there isn't much to be confused about

    • @benvergus1573
      @benvergus1573 Před 9 měsíci +2

      Basically you just read from left to right and solve brackets first, whats so confusing?

    • @ronnycook3569
      @ronnycook3569 Před 9 měsíci +14

      @@benvergus1573 The fact that it's debated at all indicates that it's found confusing. This whole kerfuffle would not EXIST if people didn't find it confusing.
      The implicit multiplication when concatenating terms - as is done in this particular problem - complicates matters further. What is 4x/2x ? Left to right you get 4x, divided by 2, multiplied by x, so 2x^2. But I read it habitually as 4x divided by 2x and get 2, and I'm betting that 90% of people trained with strict left to right in evaluating PEMDAS/BODMAS do the same.
      Writing with clarity in mind, and avoiding any possible confusion, is never a bad thing. Particularly when dealing with a field where precision matters, such as mathematics or engineering.

  • @IILiamHD
    @IILiamHD Před 7 měsíci +328

    as an engineer who has done advanced university level maths for about 7 years now, I would get 1. its the convention usually followed in physics/engineering textbooks to solve as terms and let implicit multiplication (brackets esp) go first

    • @afsdfsadhasfh
      @afsdfsadhasfh Před 7 měsíci +84

      I'm in a similar position and I 100% agree. It's disingenuous by the video to imply there's one correct order, when so many physics and engineering books do operations in the 2nd way. The video is also wrong in stating that calculators all calculate in the same way. Mine doesn't.
      I guarantee that if any engineers I know saw something like "6÷2x" they'd calculate the 2x first. It has nothingo to do with the division symbol. Implied multiplication (for example, 2x rather than 2*x) in all the engineering I've learned always takes priority over normal multiplication. If you write it as 2(1+2) instead of as 2*(1+2) there has to be a reason for it, and common sense (mine at least) dictates it's because you mean the order of operations to be different.
      Real world math isn't a puzzle designed by someone to fool you, it's an objective way to state things and should be written accordingly. The problem here is the question, not the answer. Just write it as (6÷2)(1+2) or as a fraction and the problem is solved.

    • @IILiamHD
      @IILiamHD Před 7 měsíci +21

      @@afsdfsadhasfh absolutely spot on. couldnt put it better myself

    • @IILiamHD
      @IILiamHD Před 7 měsíci +6

      @@afsdfsadhasfh the question is deliberately misleading

    • @thepsychologist8159
      @thepsychologist8159 Před 7 měsíci +5

      @@afsdfsadhasfh Conclusively, the experts say this. The equation is ambiguous and indeed, it can yield two different answers. Like the use of language, to convey something such that it can't be misinterpreted, it must be delivered with clarity, the intention should be made clear. The same with maths equations. To yield only one result, the equation should not be written with ambiguity and the intention of the writer must be clear. If it does or can, the equation should be re-written.

    • @WobblePizza
      @WobblePizza Před 7 měsíci +12

      Jesus. This is dangerous. Hopefully you stay in school and don't go actually build something one day.

  • @molo2793
    @molo2793 Před 4 lety +13526

    The correct answer is 9 but the way I was taught math makes me keep saying 1

    • @tclauk79
      @tclauk79 Před 4 lety +131

      MOLO 27 yes 🤔

    • @dbzayan
      @dbzayan Před 4 lety +628

      MaxMisterC Both of them state that multiplication and division have the same importance, and are some left to right. Put it in a calculator if you disagree.

    • @berdyie
      @berdyie Před 4 lety +401

      @@MaxMisterC Heck it wasn't even that for me. I always just ASSUMED (don't remember if it was actually in the education I got) that anything next to a bracket was in itself inside "invisible" brackets. So if you had 2(1+2), it would simply be read as (2(1+2)) = 6 regardless of what was put in front of it. I guess I never really bothered searching up if this was wrong, OR that my teacher might have been in the same group that still insists on this sort of thinking. Either way the new method (answer of 9) is correct and there just isn't much you can do about it. That's the rule and that's how maths works I guess.

    • @raynatumbeva780
      @raynatumbeva780 Před 4 lety +84

      @@berdyie there is no such a rule in Maths.

    • @berdyie
      @berdyie Před 4 lety +7

      @@raynatumbeva780 For my incorrect way of thinking or for the correct method in the video?

  • @jamesgcrawford
    @jamesgcrawford Před 7 lety +13279

    the correct answer is this is a poorly written problem.

    • @revdarian
      @revdarian Před 7 lety +993

      You are 100% correct, this is the proper answer.

    • @jamesgcrawford
      @jamesgcrawford Před 7 lety +264

      What is the correct answer? I don't know man, math isn't typically fully divorced from reality, let's look at the reasons why you're crunching these numbers and we can re-write it so it makes sense!

    • @matlohn9381
      @matlohn9381 Před 7 lety +250

      +James Crawford yeah realistically equations would never be written this way but I think the majority of math rules indicate the answer is nine

    • @Theaksten
      @Theaksten Před 7 lety +154

      In mathematics, there is no such thing as bad problems. Only bad rules and the misuse of good ones.

    • @Theaksten
      @Theaksten Před 7 lety +145

      No, the first premise in PEMDAS, is to solve for the answer within parentheses. You never distribute into parentheses first because you would then misapply the order of operations.
      PEMDAS: Parenthesis, Exponents, Multiplication And Division, Addition And Subtraction (IF the same precedence, then left to right).
      Any order with And in between has the same precedence!
      Since the problem is 6/2*3 or 6/2(3), we must follow the premise regarding left to right because the problem involves only multiplication and division, orders of the same precedence. Parenthesis is only a symbol of multiplication when a number or expression is adjacent to it.
      If the problem were 6/(2*3), then the logical answer is 1, because we solve for the answer within parentheses first, as according to the first order of the order of operations.
      The answer to 6/2(2+1) is not 1.

  • @netherworldofmind7402
    @netherworldofmind7402 Před 8 měsíci +120

    I can ensure you that in most Stem environments the symbols ÷ and / are pretty much forbidden, every division must be written as a fraction, so all formulas and expressions are just sequences of products of franctions, and the length of an horizontal line is clearer than any pemdas rule

    • @RS-fg5mf
      @RS-fg5mf Před 8 měsíci +3

      6
      ------(1+2) = 6÷2(1+2)= 9
      2
      6
      ---------- = 6÷(2(1+2))=1
      2(1+2)
      WHY?? Because the vinculum (horizontal fraction bar) serves as a grouping symbol. Neither the obelus or solidus serve as grouping symbols. The vinculum groups operations within the denominator and when written in an inline infix notation extra parentheses are required to maintain the grouping of operations within the denominator...
      ________
      2(1+2) = (2(1+2))
      two grouping symbols each
      Objective facts...

    • @realGBx64
      @realGBx64 Před 8 měsíci +5

      What about implicit multiplication? I know many people would interpret 1/2x as 1/(2*x) while 2x^3 is never understood as (2x)^3

    • @RS-fg5mf
      @RS-fg5mf Před 8 měsíci +1

      @@realGBx64 Most people confuse and conflate an Algebraic Convention given to coefficients and variables that are directly prefixed and form a composite quantity by this convention to Parenthetical Implicit Multiplication. They are not the same thing...
      1/2x = 1/(2*x) by Algebraic Convention
      1/2x^3= 1/(2*x^3) by Algebraic Convention
      1/2(x)= (1/2)(x) by the Distributive Property
      1/2(x^3)= (1/2)(x^3) by the Distributive Property...
      1/2x and 1/2(x) are not the same thing.

    • @WobblePizza
      @WobblePizza Před 7 měsíci

      No they aren't. There is nothing wrong or ambiguous with the equation as written. Not everyone is using a whiteboard.

    • @davidbrattain1446
      @davidbrattain1446 Před 6 měsíci +1

      How on earth do you operate a calculator without those two symbols available?

  • @ricflair9717
    @ricflair9717 Před 10 měsíci +21

    If you substitute all numbers with variables:
    a÷b(c+d) =
    You would get a/b(c+d) =
    a/(bc+bd)
    Not a/b × (c+d)
    That's how algebraic functions are ordered.

    • @spamspamspamspam3459
      @spamspamspamspam3459 Před 7 měsíci

      That's using implicit multiplication vs bodmas. You're coming with the assumption that b(c+d) multiplication holds higher priority than a/b part. That's all it is

    • @adrianmcbride1666
      @adrianmcbride1666 Před 3 měsíci +3

      ​@@spamspamspamspam3459it does because you first need to resolve the parenthesis. They are not resolved until you distribute them out (by multiplying the coefficient into the brackets).

    • @spamspamspamspam3459
      @spamspamspamspam3459 Před 3 měsíci

      @@adrianmcbride1666 That is absolutely not true, () in bidmas only applies to whats inside the parenthesis.

    • @adrianmcbride1666
      @adrianmcbride1666 Před 3 měsíci

      ​@@spamspamspamspam3459my father studied to masters in mathematics, he has stated that in different areas both methods are correct. Within South Africa, and from what I have gathered much of the rest of the world) that is exactly how it is done. Simple reason, it should not matter in which order one does the multiplication or division whether right to left or left to right as long as it does not combine any addition or subtraction.

    • @adrianmcbride1666
      @adrianmcbride1666 Před 3 měsíci

      @@spamspamspamspam3459 again, differs from location. However in my country, that is the correct method to resolve the parenthesis. Notably from the logic my father gave me, this method means that it does not matter in which order you do the multiplication and division once the brackets are solved. The method you use requires that one solves the equation in a specific order lest the answer be different (I. E. If one first does multiplication before division). As was said, the purpose of the bodmas is so that regardless of the order one solves the equation (within each relative Order) in that it will arrive at the same answer. The method we use, the order in which division and multiplication is done matters not.

  • @LeoH3L1
    @LeoH3L1 Před 2 lety +6437

    We shouldn't change things like the order of operations, it's incredibly dangerous in things like engineering to have two different people unknowingly using two different standards.

    • @awesomemccoolname7111
      @awesomemccoolname7111 Před 2 lety +173

      Explain that to a teacher. Go ahead.

    • @walkingman8943
      @walkingman8943 Před 2 lety +366

      They only thing common about school now is that every child is getting left behind.

    • @rileyjeffries1282
      @rileyjeffries1282 Před 2 lety +526

      That’s why no mathematically inclined individual worth their salt uses the division symbol.

    • @justingray8161
      @justingray8161 Před 2 lety +151

      order of operations never changed, it's always been the same. He just explained that that specific symbol for division meant something very specific other than just division over 100 years ago but the actual order of operations has never changed.

    • @jgt2598
      @jgt2598 Před 2 lety +230

      That's why for any serious communication of mathematics you have to be more explicit than this ambiguous problem. Hence why peer-reviewed papers use fractional notation and make copious use of parenthesis to remove ambiguity.

  • @Pepa14pig
    @Pepa14pig Před 3 lety +3493

    As a math student, I’m mad at the way this is written. My teacher said he would fail anyone who wrote math problems like this 😂😂😂

    • @RS-fg5mf
      @RS-fg5mf Před 3 lety +166

      Your math teacher has issues but as long as he is grading you I suppose you need to do what is expected...
      There is nothing wrong with the way the expression is written just the ignorance people have about parenthetical implicit multiplication...

    • @justcheck6645
      @justcheck6645 Před 3 lety +205

      @@RS-fg5mf Isn't that the whole point - it is perfectly valid but makes it unclear and you have to think about it - are you mad because you got it wrong? I would be a bit concerned about your math's teacher.

    • @RS-fg5mf
      @RS-fg5mf Před 3 lety +83

      @@justcheck6645 I am a math teacher and I didn't get it wrong. LMAO
      When you actually understand and apply the Order of Operations and the various properties and axioms of math correctly you get the correct answer 9....
      Did you get it wrong??

    • @RS-fg5mf
      @RS-fg5mf Před 3 lety +37

      @Christopher Butler if you don't care, why bother replying?? LOL
      Enjoy your show. 😁😁

    • @violinplayer3518
      @violinplayer3518 Před 3 lety +85

      I graduated math in 80s, cannot believe people are discussing primary school math

  • @3Deez3
    @3Deez3 Před 10 měsíci +254

    I graduated in 2003. I was and am pretty good in math subjects. I was taught to solve this with the answer of 1. The brackets are to be dealt with b4 other division of multiplication occurs

    • @qwenettadixon6911
      @qwenettadixon6911 Před 10 měsíci +19

      Same here. Aleays remembered pemdas, but didnt hear bodmas til recently

    • @3Deez3
      @3Deez3 Před 10 měsíci +4

      I never heard bobmas b4 lol I said brackets to be inclusive I guess lol.

    • @mikehuston2132
      @mikehuston2132 Před 10 měsíci +31

      I was taught to expand the products in parenthesis first. So 2(1+2) would be 2+4 which is 6. 6/6=1

    • @solidmercury8026
      @solidmercury8026 Před 10 měsíci

      exactly mate@@mikehuston2132

    • @mirandahotspring4019
      @mirandahotspring4019 Před 9 měsíci +5

      @@qwenettadixon6911 We learned it as BEDMAS (E = exponent)

  • @AaronProctor.
    @AaronProctor. Před 10 měsíci +222

    Edit: I was wrong, operator precedence makes the answer clearly 9. A way to avoid this confusion from people like me who got lost in the order of operations would be to set up the equation as (6/2)(1+2) or (6/2) * (1+2).
    Note: Contrary to popular belief in this thread, I did graduate with my bachelors and also complete Basic Calculus with high marks. I am capable of error and my original comment was one of those errors. Thank you for the correction.
    Original comment:
    I graduated with my Bachelors in 2019, the answer according to the way I was taught throughout my education is 1. Because I was instructed by my professors to visualize this problem as 6/(2(1+2)) or 6/6 which equals 1. The person who wrote this did so in a way that is designed, purposefully or ignorantly so, to cause confusion. Dr. Trefor Bazett has an insightful video on this topic

    • @trickortrump3292
      @trickortrump3292 Před 9 měsíci +33

      Are you saying that you took university level math within the past 10 years and your professors taught you that in the case of 6➗2(1+2) you’d make 6 the numerator with the 2(1+2) being the denominator? Ima have to throw the bs flag on that one. It doesn’t even make sense that your professors would have even been instructing you on this when this is just basic math that young kids learn. It’d be like saying “When I was pursuing my master’s degree and my professor was teaching me my times tables…”
      If you took this stuff recently, you’d have been taught to solve left to right 6/2x3
      =3x3
      =9

    • @RS-fg5mf
      @RS-fg5mf Před 9 měsíci +18

      Dr. Trevor Bassett is wrong and so are you...
      6
      ------(1+2)= 6÷2(1+2)= 9
      2
      6
      ---------- = 6÷(2(1+2))= 1
      2(1+2)
      The vinculum (horizontal fraction bar) serves as a grouping symbol. Neither the obelus or solidus serve as grouping symbols. The vinculum groups operations within the denominator and when written in an inline infix notation extra parentheses are required to maintain the grouping of operations within the denominator.
      ________
      2(1+2) = (2(1+2))
      Two grouping symbols each
      ________
      2(1+2) has two grouping symbols
      (2(1+2)) has two grouping symbols

    • @RS-fg5mf
      @RS-fg5mf Před 9 měsíci +11

      ​@@trickortrump3292the bigger question would be why a University would be using the grade school obelus to teach higher level math...
      We have reviewed the video and the penalty flag stands... Good call Ref....LOL

    • @trickortrump3292
      @trickortrump3292 Před 9 měsíci +4

      @@RS-fg5mf Yeah I deserved that. When I first looked at it, I solved it your way and then the video told me I was wrong. I bought into the reasoning for why I was wrong. This question is just a mess! I went down the rabbit hole yesterday after my comment. It’s insane to me that so many experts seem to say that the right answer is “there is no right answer” because it can be correctly solved two different ways, yielding two different answers. I can’t accept that. If both answers are correct, that makes both answers wrong too.
      I’ve removed the bs flag I originally threw. 👍😉

    • @RS-fg5mf
      @RS-fg5mf Před 9 měsíci +3

      @@trickortrump3292 don't remove it. LOL The red flag stands on the play because you are absolutely correct...
      The only correct answer when you actually understand and apply the Order of Operations and the various properties and axioms of math correctly as intended is 9
      I was agreeing with you. Don't let these mathematical numpties change your mind.
      Those who understand and apply the basic rules and principles of math correctly as intended will get the correct answer 9
      Those who fail to understand and apply the basic rules and principles of math correctly as intended will get the wrong answer 1
      Those who can't prove 1 and can't accept 9 will argue ambiguity...
      Failure to understand and apply the basic rules and principles of math correctly as intended doesn't make the expression ambiguous and isn't a valid argument against the expression...

  • @DJ_Dopamine
    @DJ_Dopamine Před 2 lety +2007

    I am 45 years old and have honours degrees in Engineering and Science.
    We were always taught that the answer should be 1, because of the order of operations rule that we were taught to use.
    If you change the rule, you change the answer.
    I was not aware that the rules had changed!

    • @bigbadlara5304
      @bigbadlara5304 Před 2 lety +127

      I just graduated high school and my answer to this problem was 9. I guess it's taught correctly now atleast :)

    • @GanonTEK
      @GanonTEK Před 2 lety +157

      It seems that multiplication by juxtaposition, ab or a(b) etc., may impliy grouping, or it may not, so the notation is ambiguous making both answers valid. It depends on context (e.g. academic or programming).
      It's just bad writing.
      Modern international standards, ISO-80000-1, mention that brackets are required to remove ambiguity if you use division on one line with multiplication or division directly after it.
      The American Mathematical Society's official spokesperson literally says "the way it's written, it's ambiguous" even though they use the explicit interpretation.
      Wolfram Alpha's Solidus article mentions this ambiguity also.
      Microsoft Math gives both answers.
      Many calculators, even from the same manufacturer, don't agree on how to interpret multiplication by juxtaposition. No consensus.
      Other references are:
      Entry 242 in Florian Cajori's book "A History of Mathematical Notation (1928)" (page 274)
      "The American Mathematical Monthly, Vol 24, No. 2 pp 93-95" mentions there was multiplication by juxtaposition ambiguity even in 1917 (and not the ÷ issue)
      "Common Core Math For Parents For Dummies" p109-110 addresses this problem, states it is ambiguous.
      "Twenty Years Before the Blackboard" (1998) p115 footnote says "note that implied multiplication is done before division".
      "Research on technology and teaching and learning of Mathematics: Volume 2: Cases and Perspectives" (2008) p335 mentions about implicit and explicit multiplication and the different interpretations they cause.
      Other credible sources are:
      - The PEMDAS Paradox (a paper by a PhD student on this ambiguity)
      - The Failure of PEMDAS (the writer has a PhD in maths)
      - Harvard Math Ambiguity (Cajori's book above is talked about here)
      - Berkeley Arithmetic Operations Ambiguity
      - PopularMechanics Viral Ambiguity (AMS's statement is here)
      - Slate Maths Ambiguity
      - Education Week Maths Ambiguity
      - The Math Doctors - Implicit Multiplication
      - YSU Viral Question (Highly decorated maths professor says it's ambiguous)
      - hmmdaily viral maths (Another maths professor says it's ambiguous)
      The volume of evidence highly suggests it's ambiguous.

    • @nixboox
      @nixboox Před 2 lety +165

      @@bigbadlara5304 The answer is one because this video makes a mistake by ignoring that these equations require the distributive property. If you "just graduated" I'm not at all surprised that no one taught this...

    • @nixboox
      @nixboox Před 2 lety +100

      That is correct. This video made a mistake when it ignored the distributive property. The entire problem is wrongly represented here.

    • @GanonTEK
      @GanonTEK Před 2 lety +132

      @@nixboox Distribution can give both answers as it is a notational ambiguity.
      There is no agreed upon convention on whether multiplication by juxtaposition implies grouping or not.
      I.e. does 2(1+2) = (2×(1+2)) or 2×(1+2)?
      Implicit: 6÷(2×(1+2)) = 6÷(2+4) = 1 which is used by academic writing.
      Explicit: 6÷2×(1+2) = (6÷2×1 + 6÷2×2) = (3 + 6) = 9 which is used by modern programming and also by the American Mathematical Society according to their statement on the matter.
      That's why it's ambiguous. The rules can't help when the problem is the notation which has to be interpreted first. It's just written poorly and not in line with modern international standards.
      It should be
      (6/2)(1+2) for 9 or
      6/(2(1+2)) for 1.
      Those are unambiguous and follow the guidelines.

  • @briannadeleon4672
    @briannadeleon4672 Před 2 lety +3648

    Just graduated and I was legitimately taught that "historical way" all through school

    • @mansuryayas
      @mansuryayas Před 2 lety +147

      Same here

    • @kayking2536
      @kayking2536 Před 2 lety +185

      I graduated high school 15-16 yrs ago and got my associate degree in '08, that's how I was taught, the old way.

    • @fiveoctaves
      @fiveoctaves Před 2 lety +35

      That's terrible.

    • @sikksotoo
      @sikksotoo Před 2 lety +71

      Ditto, and I aced math in school

    • @pentowerchannel5306
      @pentowerchannel5306 Před 2 lety +206

      Old technique is correct because
      a=6/2(1+2)is not equal to.
      b=6/2*(1+2)
      In this video he is using second technique
      No doubt 1 answer

  • @user-qd4yc4vf7c
    @user-qd4yc4vf7c Před 7 měsíci +45

    Clearing the parens is not simply performing the operation within but also performing the operation dictated by the parens. Therefore the operation requires multiplying 2x3 to get 6 prior to the next operation. If the equation was: 6 divided by 2y there would be no ambiguity that it would be 6/(2y)not (6/2) x3.

    • @wadabid6165
      @wadabid6165 Před 5 měsíci +2

      Nope, if you got 6÷2y you do 6/2 times y. Its just the current rules, i agree its weird and maybe confusing because we never use "÷", we always use fractions, but the rules are the rules and they say that if theres no parenthesis, you only divide by the first number, the closer to the "÷" symbol. Which is 2, therefore 6/2 × 3 = 9

    • @snekarmy4559
      @snekarmy4559 Před 4 měsíci

      The parentheses are just around 3 though, not 2*3

    • @markprange4386
      @markprange4386 Před 4 měsíci

      @@wadabid6165: 2y is grouped.
      Just like 2π, 2π, or 24.

    • @whoff59
      @whoff59 Před 2 měsíci

      You are using PEJMDAS like in some calculators (not all of them).
      J meaning Juxtaposition.
      But this is not PEMDAS which is the official math rule for instance in USA.

    • @markprange4386
      @markprange4386 Před 2 měsíci +1

      @@whoff59: PEMDAS is not an official rule anywhere. It's not even a rule.

  • @RtsFps1
    @RtsFps1 Před 9 měsíci +14

    After learning calculus, this answer is 1. Visualize the division line, 6 is the numerator, the 2(1+2) is the denominator. From there solve the denominator however you want, you’ll end up with 6. 6/6 = 1

    • @paulblart7378
      @paulblart7378 Před 8 měsíci +3

      Incorrect, and this has nothing to do with calculus, it's fundamental algebra. Division is division, not an implied fraction. If anything, it's the other way around: a fraction is implied division

    • @admiralvirhz
      @admiralvirhz Před 8 měsíci

      If you write it as algebraic equation you can clearly see how it’s supposed to be done. X/Y(A+B) = X/(YA+YB), since you need to distribute property of Y among entire parenthesis first, and fully evaluate that before going back to division of X.
      Using numbers it’s:
      6/2(1+2) = 6 / (2*1 + 2*2) = 6/6 = 1
      This is how math works. People outside of America aren’t thought any of PEDMAS, BODMAS or whatever bdsm acronym is used. People are thought how order of operations works in practice, often explained by definitions, and orders, and with a help of algebraic equations, since when you remove numbers it’s clearer to see how things are evaluated.

    • @paulblart7378
      @paulblart7378 Před 8 měsíci +1

      @@admiralvirhz Incorrect. The distributing property is multiplication, which has no precedence over division. It would be wrong to distribute 2(1+2) before doing 6/2. The first operation would leave you with 3(1+2) and then you can distribute to get 3+6=9

    • @admiralvirhz
      @admiralvirhz Před 8 měsíci

      @@paulblart7378you’re making logical error here. Multiplication doesn’t have priority over division, you’re right about this and it’s set in stone, but to fully value what’s inside parenthesis you need to distribute 2 over it. There’s no sign of multiplication, so you need to understand that it is
      6 divided by double parenthesis.
      You see your logical mistake here? It’s not 2 multiply parenthesis since there’s no multiplication sign. It’s double parenthesis.
      It’s really bad written problem to deal with, I no wonder why so many people get this wrong.

    • @paulblart7378
      @paulblart7378 Před 8 měsíci

      @@admiralvirhz It's an implicit multiplication. It can be rewritten as 6/2*(1+2), the fact that there isn't an explicit sign doesn't change the problem. I don't know what you mean by "6 divided by double parenthesis", but there is no rule that implicit multiplication groups the operands together. You would do 6/2 first, then multiply that by (1+2)

  • @erickbangle3781
    @erickbangle3781 Před 7 lety +4931

    think of it like a fraction. there's a reason why in higher math '÷' isn't used.

    • @erickbangle3781
      @erickbangle3781 Před 7 lety +646

      dont forget that 2(3) is one term

    • @FusedAtoms
      @FusedAtoms Před 7 lety +318

      I know right... I'm suprised the education system is failing this hard to teach math.

    • @thomasgronek6469
      @thomasgronek6469 Před 7 lety +104

      but it's not a fraction. there is the discrepancy in the solution

    • @DrenRawr
      @DrenRawr Před 7 lety +502

      all division is a fraction lol

    • @supervegetto1087
      @supervegetto1087 Před 7 lety +237

      Exactly Erick!! we use the division sign just to teach kids but it is wrong in advanced math.

  • @mattmanhero2375
    @mattmanhero2375 Před 2 lety +1812

    The problem isint the equation itself, it's whoever wrote it.

    • @MrGamecatCanaveral
      @MrGamecatCanaveral Před 2 lety +95

      No the problem is teachers changing they way they teach things.

    • @babyyoda7749
      @babyyoda7749 Před 2 lety +64

      @@MrGamecatCanaveral
      Not teacher the education system.

    • @MrGamecatCanaveral
      @MrGamecatCanaveral Před 2 lety +30

      @@babyyoda7749 no teachers are the ones. Teachers are teaching about gender and sexuality for example. The education system is not telling them to teach that.

    • @aeroljameslita4975
      @aeroljameslita4975 Před 2 lety +55

      @@MrGamecatCanaveral Teachers change the way they teach things because we discover new things over time. Before, it was thought that the earth is the center of the solar system. Copernicus discovered that it is actually the sun. Now, do we need to change the way we teach about the solar system? Yes. It's crazy that what we believe in the present will never be entirely 'true' as it could be proven false in the future.

    • @aquaneko14
      @aquaneko14 Před 2 lety +1

      @@aeroljameslita4975 from a subjective point of view, isn't the point of perception the center of your reality? So the Earth is the center of the universe for everyone on it.?

  • @coreyramstein9778
    @coreyramstein9778 Před 3 měsíci +4

    Some people were taught that multiplication by juxtaposition takes precedence over explicit operations… hence why 3/2n is 3/(2n) and not (3/2)n
    The same juxtaposition glue applies to parenthetical coefficients… and in this case, 2 is that parenthetical coefficient. So using PEMDAS, but assigning multiplication by juxtaposition a higher priority than explicit division, the answer is 1. Additionally, if you use the distributive property from the get-go to resolve the parentheses, you get 1.

  • @rafvs69
    @rafvs69 Před 10 měsíci +8

    I haven't read any comments yet, but you could also be wrong in your interpretation of the order of operations. once you add 1 and 2 you're left with a 3 inside parentheses, and a convincing case may be made that since it's inside a parentheses, your're supposed to resolve that operation before the division, since parentheses trump multiplication/division... so again 1

    • @adrianmcbride1666
      @adrianmcbride1666 Před 3 měsíci +2

      Yeah, that's the logic my father taught me. It should not matter what order you do multiplication and division so long as one does not cross addition and subtraction (once parenthesis have been solved). The method being shown means that it is neccesary to solve the division and multiplication in a specific order because you will either end up with a 6/6 or a 3*3 depending on which order you do multiplication and division.

    • @4IdiotsProductions
      @4IdiotsProductions Před 16 dny +1

      Exactly

  • @Shade7x
    @Shade7x Před 2 lety +3035

    The programmer's wife sends him to the store. She says "Get one carton of milk, and if they have eggs, get a dozen". The programmer came home with 12 cartons of milk, because they did have eggs.

    • @burnerjack01
      @burnerjack01 Před 2 lety +140

      And that's why I used to hate computers so much.

    • @brianfedelin7015
      @brianfedelin7015 Před 2 lety +309

      It would be 13 cartons because of the and boolean logic instead of or.

    • @keesdenheijer7283
      @keesdenheijer7283 Před 2 lety +28

      I'm truly thankful for the opportunity to give thumbs-up #42.

    • @4_youtube_is_dead
      @4_youtube_is_dead Před 2 lety +6

      tf

    • @Dan.Bielecki
      @Dan.Bielecki Před 2 lety +81

      Agreement with Brian Fedelin. 13 cartons of milk. One carton, and if there are eggs, get a dozen. So 1 + 12 = 13. And the issue with computers is not the logic of them, it is how a human evaluates a human expression and then programs the computer. In this case, the issue was with the wife, since the expression was not clearly defined from the start by defining a dozen of WHAT was desired, the milk or the eggs. See, it is actually a trap by wife against the husband. No matter what he were to bring home, it would be incorrect since she could then change WHAT was the dozen to be of.

  • @ammarmar3628
    @ammarmar3628 Před 3 lety +2509

    That's why nobody uses the division symbol. It's confusing and it leads to errors. Both in math and physics, fractions are the way to go.

    • @MarioLandscape
      @MarioLandscape Před 3 lety +83

      I prefer using ÷ over /.
      I only use / with fractions, but use ÷ when dividing numbers.
      Using improper fractions instead of using the division symbol is something that I rarely ever do.
      I never find it confusing when using ÷, and it never confuses me.

    • @MarkQub
      @MarkQub Před 3 lety +209

      @@MarioLandscape nope

    • @MarioLandscape
      @MarioLandscape Před 3 lety +67

      ​@@MarkQub.
      What do you mean 'nope'?
      I just stated that I prefer using this: *÷* of this: */,* when dividing.
      The person said that nobody uses ÷, because it's confusing, so I said that I do use ÷, and that it doesn't confuse me.

    • @MarkQub
      @MarkQub Před 3 lety +101

      @@MarioLandscape you see how you lost. You got mad/serious over someone who just simply said “nope”

    • @MarioLandscape
      @MarioLandscape Před 3 lety +193

      @@MarkQub.
      What on Earth?
      Lost what?
      What did I lose? Please explain.
      All I did was ask you what you meant by nope.
      How was that getting mad?

  • @noahgyenes5285
    @noahgyenes5285 Před měsícem +3

    Its 9, look it up. You go left to right on the multiplication and division stage of PEMDAS.

    • @GanonTEK
      @GanonTEK Před měsícem

      It depends on which interpretation of multiplication by juxtaposition you use.
      Modern international standards like ISO-80000-1 mentions about writing division on one line with multiplication or division directly after and that brackets are required to remove ambiguity.

    • @RS-fg5mf
      @RS-fg5mf Před měsícem

      Yes, the correct answer is 9

  • @MrTSFunny
    @MrTSFunny Před 5 měsíci +4

    I'm pretty sure you missed a different confusion. I get that some would interpret the division sign as you did, but there is also the belief that implied multiplication has priority over other division and multiplication, because it was implied, it has to be resolved. You can't just change 2(3) into 2x3, because they are bound. 2x(1+2) does not just equal 2(1+2), because 2(1+2) = (2(1+2)). I realize it doesn't make a difference until (÷) gets put in front of them.
    Say we wanted to divide energy by 12. Would we write 12 ÷ mc^2 or would we write 12 ÷ (mc^2). We all recognize mc^2 as energy, m and c^2 are bound by implied multiplication. a completely different thing that 12 ÷ m x c^2. Or divide 12 by the area of a circle: 12 ÷ πr^2. π x r^2 is implied and therefore bound.
    this is the real argument implied multiplication has priority of not.

  • @indy1435
    @indy1435 Před 4 lety +1340

    Its gonna go viral again because its in my recommended

  • @pwalker1360
    @pwalker1360 Před 3 lety +884

    As a trained engineer in his forties, I immediatey turned the expression into a fraction. I also have to say I don’t think I’ve ever seen that division sign used anywhere after fourth or fifth grade.

    • @RS-fg5mf
      @RS-fg5mf Před 3 lety +36

      And in 4th or 5th grade arithmetic the correct answer is 9 .... The symbol is found on almost any calculator. Best to understand it than to be confused by it...

    • @Superdada
      @Superdada Před 3 lety +76

      Funny, I just left a similar comment. I’m an engineer (39 yrs old) and did same as you. That’s the reason engineers and physicists don’t use that silly division symbol.

    • @alxlej
      @alxlej Před 3 lety +15

      @@Superdada i don't understand the debate about the division symbol. what difference does it make whether you use : or / ?
      they do mean the same, don't they?

    • @borismuller1086
      @borismuller1086 Před 3 lety +24

      @@alxlej They mean using fractions instead of a symbol and having everything next to eachother.

    • @alxlej
      @alxlej Před 3 lety +6

      @@borismuller1086 but the meaning and therefore the resulting operation are still the same, aren't they?
      what am i missing?

  • @HorizonInternational3000

    Steps to solve:1. Solve the expression inside the parentheses:
    6÷2(1+2)=6÷2(3)
    2. Simplify the division:
    6÷2(3)=3(3)
    3. Multiply the remaining numbers:
    3(3)=9
    Answer:
    9

  • @bernie9728
    @bernie9728 Před 10 měsíci +4

    I grew up in the 1960's and back then 1 would have been the answer. I think one of the main reasons that kids struggle with math is because of problems just like this. 90 + percent of all people will never encounter this type of problem in their lifetimes outside of school. I think kids today to be taught a more practical math Kids today can't make change. If you want to know where we are headed as a society, rent the movie Idiocracy. We are closer to it than you think.

  • @ZoeTheCat
    @ZoeTheCat Před 7 lety +1712

    As you climb higher in math, virtually 100% of physicists, engineers and mathematicians will interpret the answer as 1. There is no debate over this at all. The implicit multiplication of 2 on the bracket is a SINGLE quantity that takes precedence prior to division. Most physicists/engineers/mathematicians would never even write such a potentially ambiguous expression. They would instead write 6/2(1+2) where the / is a horizontal line. Alternatively, they would write 6/(2(1+2)) leaving NO ROOM FOR AMBIGUITY. PEMDAS is NOT universally accepted. The implicit multiplication on the bracket does indeed take precedent.
    You are doing a disservice to kids trying to learn mathematical protocols. PEMDAS isn't the total protocol.

    • @Araqius
      @Araqius Před 7 lety +42

      Totally wrong and nonsense.
      What is the inverse of "implicit multiplication"?

    • @NeelDhar
      @NeelDhar Před 7 lety +103

      I agree with ZoeCat

    • @TomJacobW
      @TomJacobW Před 7 lety +136

      It is really funny indeed, because it gives a hint from "where people are coming". I studied physics for some time and it was completely obvious to me, that a juxtaposition has a higher order than "read left to right". It's "obviously" 1.
      As mentioned; 6/2y with y=1+2 is 3/y, not 3y.

    • @ZoeTheCat
      @ZoeTheCat Před 7 lety +94

      Tom Yes. You give a great example.
      According to PEMDAS, x/yz = xz/y which is OBVIOUSLY unconventional. The implied multiplication of yz binds the two components of 'y' and 'z' together.

    • @cameronparkes6629
      @cameronparkes6629 Před 7 lety +145

      Zoe TheCat Agree with you 100%. I'm an engineer and my first response was to say the answer is 1. Everything on the right is just a factored 6.

  • @ggibby0909
    @ggibby0909 Před 2 lety +1587

    After all this debate and discussion, I think we can all agree that this is why we use fractions instead.

    • @jamesfiddler1976
      @jamesfiddler1976 Před 2 lety +33

      Eventually, yes. This is a fifth-grade expression used to teach and reinforce the order of operations. This is pretty much ground zero. From there, we stop using the obelus in favor of the solidus and vinculum and go into fractions, as well as teaching reciprocals and the multiplicative inverse. People just forget how to evaluate expressions using the order of operations due to lack of practice. Sometimes, all they remember is an acronym and then convince themselves that there are six steps instead of four and that multiplication always comes first when it doesn't.

    • @godlikefish1193
      @godlikefish1193 Před 2 lety +98

      All my homies hate ÷

    • @pirilon78
      @pirilon78 Před 2 lety +7

      @@jamesfiddler1976 how the hell do you not use order of operations im highschool? You need to use them for literally any equation

    • @jashickey
      @jashickey Před 2 lety +1

      @@godlikefish1193 - Me too my friend. All forms.

    • @jamesfiddler1976
      @jamesfiddler1976 Před 2 lety +1

      @@pirilon78 Who says I did? I never even hinted that we don't use the order of operations beyond junior high. It should be common knowledge that we do.

  • @robertotoscanocouto3190
    @robertotoscanocouto3190 Před 10 měsíci +1

    This is a ridiculous debate! A mathematician would not run the risk of not being understood by writing such an ambiguous expression, with a calculation rule not so well established (or remembered from elementary school), and would use an extra pair of parentheses if he wants the division to be calculated first: (6÷2)(1+2) = 3x3 = 9.

  • @backtoschool1611
    @backtoschool1611 Před 7 měsíci +5

    I understand both methods. It will be interesting what my books say when I get to this type of problem. I am studying from pre-1900 Maths books right now.

  • @anvesha5406
    @anvesha5406 Před 3 lety +1642

    Next viral problem..
    1+1 = 2 or 11.. 🤔🤔🤔

    • @jdpace4371
      @jdpace4371 Před 3 lety +96

      1+1 = 10 ;) 1+1+1 = 11, 1+1+1+1 = 100.

    • @parzival8786
      @parzival8786 Před 3 lety +16

      @Jure Lukezic binary smh

    • @jdpace4371
      @jdpace4371 Před 3 lety +2

      @Jure Lukezic That only works for very large values for 0. I was representing numbers in base-2; however, if we're talking string concatenation then yaaaaaaaaassssss!!!

    • @jdpace4371
      @jdpace4371 Před 3 lety +4

      @Jure Lukezic So how does it feel that your joke went over our heads? Don't you feel bad for us smug little pedantic bastards? We could have strung that out, like "I was writing in binary" ... "no you weren't" ... "yes I was" ... "no" ...

    • @whod
      @whod Před 3 lety +2

      10

  • @chris-jn2wu
    @chris-jn2wu Před 5 lety +1313

    oh sorry i’m late, CZcams just recommended me this video 3 YEARS LATER

  • @MickJacobsen
    @MickJacobsen Před 10 měsíci +56

    I do not recall the "same precedence" rule. So, I have always taken PEMDAS to be performed, literally, left-to-right. But, knowing the rule now, I think a better mnemonic would be (P)(E)(MD)(AS). It will be mine from now on! Thanks for the lesson.

    • @clowncircus-dm3fd
      @clowncircus-dm3fd Před 10 měsíci +3

      BODMAS

    • @InsanityoftheSanities
      @InsanityoftheSanities Před 9 měsíci +4

      @@clowncircus-dm3fd WHO CARES AMERICA SAYS PEMDAS.

    • @hat_cbw6972
      @hat_cbw6972 Před 9 měsíci +2

      @@InsanityoftheSanitiesjokes on you, some American schools use BODMAS

    • @InsanityoftheSanities
      @InsanityoftheSanities Před 9 měsíci +5

      @@hat_cbw6972 Jokes on you, who cares and who asked?

    • @hat_cbw6972
      @hat_cbw6972 Před 9 měsíci +11

      @@InsanityoftheSanities Jokes on you, we can assume that who asked is an imaginary number. An imaginary number that we know of is sqrt(-1) which is i. Conclusion: I asked.

  • @realGBx64
    @realGBx64 Před 8 měsíci +22

    I don’t think the problem here is the division sign. I think the problem is the “implicit multiplication”.
    In my experience as a scientist and teacher, many people would say 5/2x = 5/(2*x), similar with the number in front of the parentheses, without the multiplication sign.

    • @Antelope2000
      @Antelope2000 Před 7 měsíci

      Algebraic equation vs. simple arithmetic. 2x is a variable and it's coefficient, which implies multiplication. You don't have any implied multiplication in arithmetic because there are no coefficients since you have no variables.

    • @nickmcginley4570
      @nickmcginley4570 Před 7 měsíci +12

      @@Antelope2000
      The number in front of the brackets is a coefficient.

    • @coreyramstein9778
      @coreyramstein9778 Před 3 měsíci +2

      Yes!!!

  • @lena__speaking7080
    @lena__speaking7080 Před 4 lety +2272

    I solved this in 5 seconds this shouldn't be a problem for anyone who attended school.

    • @lailaaa24
      @lailaaa24 Před 4 lety +29

      Same

    • @jessetarpley4
      @jessetarpley4 Před 4 lety +59

      Exactly, I always loved doing really long order of operations math problems.

    • @_mahiii
      @_mahiii Před 4 lety +72

      Same, idk why they are making fuss over this? I mean this is taught in school....

    • @suboryoulldiein24hours48
      @suboryoulldiein24hours48 Před 4 lety +35

      @@_mahiii lol he got 14 million views it served its purpose

    • @thejaramogi1
      @thejaramogi1 Před 4 lety +28

      Unless your History teacher doubled as your Maths teacher!

  • @zkyz735
    @zkyz735 Před rokem +1207

    In France i've been taught it in a way, that this equation equals 1.
    Basically 6/2(1+2) has brackets. We were taught that brackets were always a priority with the number infront of it. So what we would do is first 2*1 + 2*2 = 6, and once we got the brackets completely gone, we can finish the equation which would be 6/6 = 1.
    Also even if i added the numbers, it was always important to clear the brackets. Here 6/2(3) still has a bracket and doesnt just dissapear. So i would multiply 2 and 3 to get rid of the bracket. Thus we still receive 6/6 = 1
    I was always taught this way and was surprised seeing that the correct answer was 9. This blew my mind

    • @lastannahme
      @lastannahme Před rokem +152

      I'm pretty sure that in germany we were taught the second answer as well (equasion equaling 1) for the exact same reason you describe here (getting rid of the brackets first) and then finally dividing anything on the left side by what is left on the right side. From my point of view the answer 9 is "wrong". And even if it's just a "rule" thing, we'd better universalise that rule. To me, somehow, the answer "1" also makes more sense in a mathematical- asthethical way.

    • @j.r.arnolli9734
      @j.r.arnolli9734 Před rokem +57

      People in Europe, born before 1970, learned, that multiplication goes before division. Just a fact. I mentioned 1917, because in that year, in the USA it became official that multiplication and division are equal and You start from left to right. In 1980 is was commpn practice all around the globe. ( In the Netherlands it took till 1992 to use the 1917-method).
      Mathematics is about agreements and those changed over the years to an (new) international standard...

    • @lastannahme
      @lastannahme Před rokem +66

      @@j.r.arnolli9734 Thank you for this insight. Anyhow I was born in 1980 and I'm pretty sure that if I showed this "problem" to my old schoolmates/ peers here in germany 99% would come up with the anwer "1". Yet again maybe I'm wrong.
      If this really is new international standard it still doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me in terms of logical usage of mathematical language.

    • @antsfur
      @antsfur Před rokem +105

      Yes you are correct the answer is 1. You solve the brackets first to get a number on its own then you finish off by 6 ÷ the answer in the brackets.
      If your answer is 9 then you are inventing your own mathematics !

    • @barbarashirland9078
      @barbarashirland9078 Před rokem +19

      I was taught that way also. In the US, but three generations ago. I’m old.

  • @humdrumsnail1036
    @humdrumsnail1036 Před 2 měsíci +2

    math in which order is the same is usually done from left to right, so do 6/2 first, which gives 3. The answer is 9

    • @GanonTEK
      @GanonTEK Před 2 měsíci

      True, but the issue is that academically multiplication by juxtaposition, specifically, has a higher order than explicit multiplication or division.
      It's ambiguous notation, so no single correct answer here.

    • @RS-fg5mf
      @RS-fg5mf Před 2 měsíci +1

      Academically, Ganon Tek is wrong.

    • @GanonTEK
      @GanonTEK Před 2 měsíci +1

      Academically, I'm providing correct information. The other person is lying to you.
      You don't have to take my word for it though, the evidence speaks for itself.
      Both the American Mathematical Society and American Physical Society give multiplication by juxtaposition higher priority.
      Bracketing Mathematical Expressions H9, a physics journal set of guidelines shows this, as do the style guides from them.
      The American Mathematical Society's official spokesperson also stated the expression here was using ambiguous notation. It's bad writing.
      WolframAlpha's Solidus article mentions the a/bc ambiguity in how academic writing interprets it the way I've already explained.
      Most scientific calculators outside of those made by TI in America also give multiplication by juxtaposition implied grouping, the academic interpretation.
      TI even did make models for years that did the same, but they changed to the more literal interpretation but we're unable to give me the reason for the change when I contacted them. This is quite strange that they do not know why they are giving explicit and implicit multiplication the same priority.
      Modern international standards like ISO-80000-1 mentions about writing division on one one with multiplication or division directly after and that brackets are required to remove ambiguity.
      So, the evidence shows I'm not incorrect. Maybe you should ask that person replying to you for some evidence?
      Oh, and if they try to use distribution as an argument, that won't work as any sort of proof.
      Notation conventions are used *before* any rules/properties/axioms/laws of maths.
      You can't prove language, since language is rule independent.
      For example, there isn't a single way to prove
      Sin²3y = (Sin(3×y))²
      using any rules/properties/laws/axioms.
      It's two notation conventions (language conventions) in use there, nothing more.
      You cannot prove notation.

  • @-wiseguy
    @-wiseguy Před měsícem +3

    Why do people argue over math Its definitely 9

    • @GanonTEK
      @GanonTEK Před měsícem +2

      It's not though.
      It's definitely ambiguous notation. A trick.
      Academically, multiplication by juxtaposition implies grouping but the programming/literal interpretation does not.
      Wolfram Alpha's Solidus article mentions the a/bc ambiguity and modern international standards like ISO-80000-1 mention about division on one line with multiplication or division directly after and that brackets are required to remove ambiguity.
      Even over in America where the programming interpretation is more popular, the American Mathematical Society stated it was ambiguous notation too.
      Multiple professors and mathematicians have said so also like:
      Prof. Steven Strogatz, Dr. Trevor Bazett, Dr. Jared Antrobus, Prof. Keith Devlin, Prof. Anita O'Mellan (an award winning mathematics professor no less), Prof. Jordan Ellenberg, David Darling, Matt Parker, David Linkletter, Eddie Woo etc.
      Even scientific calculators don't agree on one interpretation or the other.
      Calculator manufacturers like CASIO have said they took expertise from the educational community in choosing how to implement multiplication by juxtaposition and mostly use the academic interpretation. Just like Sharp does. TI who said implicit multiplication has higher priority to allow users to enter expressions in the same manner as they would be written (TI knowledge base 11773) so also used the academic interpretation. TI later changed to the programming interpretation but when I asked them were unable to find the reason why.
      A recent example from another commenter:
      Intermediate Algebra, 4th edition (Roland Larson and Robert Hostetler) c. 2005 that while giving the order of operations, includes a sidebar study tip saying the order of operations applies when multiplication is indicated by × or • When the multiplication is implied by parenthesis it has a higher priority than the Left-to-Right rule. It then gives the example
      8 ÷ 4(2) = 8 ÷ 8 = 1
      but 8 ÷ 4 • 2 = 2 • 2 = 4

    • @RS-fg5mf
      @RS-fg5mf Před měsícem

      Yes, the correct answer is 9

  • @ute.fritzkowski
    @ute.fritzkowski Před 3 lety +891

    I used the historical version all my life. I must be rather ancient.

    • @michellevanzyl
      @michellevanzyl Před 3 lety +33

      Seems we all historical and the new version only rules in special areas, clearly the areas where I’m not. I live in South Africa and here the answer is still 1🤣 should you want the answer to be 9 it would be written as a fraction not a division sign(which can’t even be found on my keyboard, so let’s just all retire the devision symbol and I’d be happy to concede that the answer is 9😂

    • @willwalker24601
      @willwalker24601 Před 3 lety +18

      Basically the answer isn't "wrong" if you use the historical version... they're just asking different things... in modern math, it you wanted to ask the exact same question as the historical you would have to write is 6÷[2(1+2]

    • @ute.fritzkowski
      @ute.fritzkowski Před 3 lety +18

      @@willwalker24601 It comes down to "just use brackets to make clear what you mean". Mathematics is supposed to be a universal language, but there are still a lot of dialects, aka different notations. I see that a lot lately as I am german but using english youtube videos to review some things since I am studying for a new profession. They are doing a lot of things differently than I learned them at school 20 years ago. Maybe they do them that way in schools now too, I don't know. But since such differences exist, one should strive to write expressions as clearly and unambiguously as possible. Most of those "puzzles" thrive on their ambiguouty.

    • @CorgiCorner
      @CorgiCorner Před 3 lety +2

      I think the difference is people forget about the brackets so they just disappear

    • @abhisheksilverrrrr
      @abhisheksilverrrrr Před 3 lety +26

      ✔️✔️✔️👍👍
      Correct answer is surely 1
      To those who are telling it 9
      Dont know how?
      For this xy ÷ xy = 1
      But Its not y²(according to those who are telling answer to be 9)
      Similarly, 6÷2(3)=6/(2*3)=1
      As simple as that...

  • @abvolts-animation6008
    @abvolts-animation6008 Před 5 lety +2651

    I did this in 10 seconds... how can it be viral?

    • @ghislainmaury2065
      @ghislainmaury2065 Před 5 lety +110

      Check Wiki on the order of operation, it is indication that there is an ambiguity/confusion with expression like 1/2x
      for some it is (1/2)*x = x/2 and for other it is 1/(2*x)
      Here we have the same type of problem : a/bc, so same problem : is it (a/b)*c or a/(b*c)
      If for you it is not confusing, then you do not know math enough, because to remove the confusion in that sort of expression, there is a rule that apply to in-line math expression :
      "Always add parentheses to delineate compound denominator"
      So here the first thing to say is that "that expression do not follow the rule for in-line math, so It can't be solved using the order of operation; It has to be corrected first"
      And the problem is that it seems that a lot of people do not know that rule, so they give the result corresponding to one interpretation or the other ... making it viral
      Should all of those people go back to school ?
      Or should only the one that wrote that ambiguous expression go back to school ?

    • @j.a_
      @j.a_ Před 5 lety +79

      @@ghislainmaury2065 English translation please?

    • @davidesguevillas
      @davidesguevillas Před 5 lety +66

      This is so easy, I solved it in 5 seconds

    • @abvolts-animation6008
      @abvolts-animation6008 Před 5 lety +1

      Defaulty Boi lol.

    • @abvolts-animation6008
      @abvolts-animation6008 Před 5 lety +2

      Letucces Satan yeah... I’ll pass thanks
      I’d gladly take yours though

  • @harrymatabal8448
    @harrymatabal8448 Před 4 měsíci +1

    People who know no maths are making this a viral problem. If you dont believe me than go ask a grade 5 child and the child will tell you the answer is 9. Life is simple. We complicate it

  • @MCLHEF
    @MCLHEF Před 10 měsíci +6

    I'm sorry but the correct answer is 1. There is a reason we use parenthesis instead of the time sign. completing the operation within the parenthesis does not change the parenthesis to a times sign. Therefore you must then multiply the number within the parenthesis by the number in front of it. The reason you use the parenthesis is to show this. Otherwise you would just move from start to finish through the equation.

  • @azavo2502
    @azavo2502 Před rokem +716

    dont worry, this issue will never show up in important engineering situations because the division symbol would never be used. instead using a fraction would make everything a lot more clear

    • @maximilianomolina5975
      @maximilianomolina5975 Před rokem +33

      Yep i remeber i got so used to fraction that when i saw the division simbol at first i thought it was percentage xD

    • @GanonTEK
      @GanonTEK Před rokem +4

      100%

    • @anonymes2884
      @anonymes2884 Před rokem +34

      The real-life solution, as per the ISO recommendation, is just to use brackets to disambiguate. (6/2)(1+2) is totally clear regardless of division symbol used and works for handwriting, calculators, typed documents etc.

    • @GanonTEK
      @GanonTEK Před rokem +8

      @@anonymes2884 100% and ISO-80000-2 says that ÷ should no longer be used also.

    • @wallytruman9433
      @wallytruman9433 Před rokem

      I don't know algebra

  • @tylermartin9225
    @tylermartin9225 Před 2 lety +1197

    in short don’t use the outdated division symbol, just use the typical numerator and denominator removes all uncertainty

    • @charliedallachie3539
      @charliedallachie3539 Před 2 lety +39

      It still becomes 6/2*3. So if it’s multiplication before division that’s 6/6 =1

    • @o_sch
      @o_sch Před 2 lety +81

      @@charliedallachie3539 thats not using the numerator and denominator, when you use an actual numerator or denominator you would have a certain part be under it. Either 6/(2*3) or (6/2)*3

    • @charliedallachie3539
      @charliedallachie3539 Před 2 lety +2

      @@o_sch yea I understand the two answers but in other problems which is which? I’ve always wondered PEMDAS in general I’m sure there’s a complex mathematical proof of it out there somewhere
      Edit* there is no proof it’s a convention.

    • @JakobSchade
      @JakobSchade Před 2 lety +38

      @@charliedallachie3539 but it isn't multiplication before division. they are equal, so it is left to right.

    • @Wexexx
      @Wexexx Před 2 lety +17

      @@JakobSchade Sure, but that's if you use PEMDAS or whatever else. There's still plenty of books where they don't use PEMDAS and have a difference between implicit and explicit multiplication. 2*3 is explicit (a * sign) and 2(3) is implicit. In that case, implicit is many times higher of importance than explicit. So 6/2(1+2) would simply be 6/6=1.

  • @Wranorn
    @Wranorn Před 10 měsíci +1

    No one is looking up the historical method,... The real reason people get "1" for an answer is as simple as it is scary,... The US Education System sucks unless you can catch a ball.

  • @canasya
    @canasya Před 10 měsíci +21

    Your reference to the history of typography where a division sign was preferred over multiple parentheses is interesting. But today such problems do no service to math literacy or math education. They only create confusion, chaos, and distraction and alienate students sitting on the fence. Math is beauty. There is no scope for ambiguity in it. Only sadistic teachers who derive pleasure in putting others down so as to guard their positions design such problems. I think one easy way to write an unambiguous arithmetic expression is to enter it into an Excel (or Google) spreadsheet which is now easily accessible around the globe. Excel will not accept the division sign, or the parentheses without a multiplication sign preceding it. Thus, you will have to write 6/2*(1+2) if you want 9 as answer, or 6/(2*(1+2)) if you want 1 as answer.

    • @Mariam-kg7fr
      @Mariam-kg7fr Před 6 měsíci

      I wish you could have been my math professor in college:)

    • @SuperChuckRaney
      @SuperChuckRaney Před 6 měsíci

      Math teachers are invariably one step below orangutans in critical thinking.
      Math teachers drool, Physics rule.
      A "math teacher" can easily prove that 2+2=5. And be correctly following "math rules".
      Here with 6:2(1+2)..... These "math teachers" incorrectly apply pedmas by only doing HALF of the 'p'.
      Do you see a Multiplicative Operator hanging around between 2 and ( ...? no? Then it's "Implied" hence it's the Coefficient of the (1+2).
      The 2 is the coefficient of the (1+2) variable.
      It achieved the place in the expression as a reduction of (2+4). Since (2+4) simplified is 2(1+2). 2x+2y is 2(x+y), right?
      Soo, to insert the Google example here ... some/most of the math calculsators are incorrect for the reason you mention..... and further
      THE PARENTHETCAL EXPRESSION includes it's Coefficient Modifier. It's the literal definition of Parentheses.
      YOU ARE ONLY DOING HALF THE PARENTHETICAL EXPRESSION by only solving inside the ().
      Common solution isn't following pedmas, and just cause a drunk guy in 1920 provided a solution in a bar on a napkin, doesn't make it true. 2+2 still don't equal 5.
      Sounds like he had good marketing tho.

    • @BlueDragon-gv3ky
      @BlueDragon-gv3ky Před 4 měsíci +1

      I was taught that when there isn’t a * between a number and a parentheses, you had to do them first! Just as if it were 2x

    • @SuperChuckRaney
      @SuperChuckRaney Před 4 měsíci

      @@BlueDragon-gv3ky I've repeated that to be shouted down by the chorus.
      Distributive Property of multiplication, it is.
      They rip the coefficent off the parentectical.
      You would NOT do it with an Exponent.

    • @harrymatabal8448
      @harrymatabal8448 Před 4 měsíci

      Mr canasta forget parenthesis. If you multiply first then we have 6×3÷2=9.

  • @ericsantiago6851
    @ericsantiago6851 Před 5 lety +1625

    Let me guess...next viral thing is 1+1

  • @philp3512
    @philp3512 Před 4 lety +802

    Please excuse my dear Aunt Sally. I thought everyone was taught that.

    • @RS-fg5mf
      @RS-fg5mf Před 4 lety +19

      PEMDAS = 9
      and some people were taught other acronyms that mean exactly the same thing, like BODMAS

    • @godelnahaleth
      @godelnahaleth Před 4 lety +4

      That's how I learned it in high school, class of 1998, and then in college in the early 00's... to do it in the exact order of the sentence.

    • @RS-fg5mf
      @RS-fg5mf Před 4 lety +10

      @@godelnahaleth No, you were not taught to follow PEMDAS as 6 exact steps... SMDH
      Own your mistakes and stop blaming your teachers for your failure to pay attention in class and learn correctly...

    • @achyuththouta6957
      @achyuththouta6957 Před 4 lety +11

      @@RS-fg5mf Nope. 2(3) is not the same as 2*3. Anyway it's been 4 years since I came across ÷ sign. I only use fractions and never had to come accross controversial problems like this one.

    • @hannahdewert
      @hannahdewert Před 4 lety

      Exactly its easy

  • @Raymond274
    @Raymond274 Před měsícem +1

    I was hoping this was going to show why the distributive property method people latch onto as the reason it’s 1 doesn’t work here as I thought originally too.
    The distributive property requires a rational number to simplify. In the example, the number is not +2 but “/2” which is irrational and therefore you cannot distribute this. To rationalize, you must first perform +6/2 which is 3 and then you can utilize the distributive property which then results in
    3(2+1) or (3*2)+(3*1)
    (6)+(3)
    9
    You can also check by using x in replacement of 2 and simplify.
    6/x(x+1)
    Again /x is not a rational number so it cannot be simplified but 6/x is.
    (6/x*x) + (6/x*1)
    (6x/x) + (6/x)
    (6) + (6/x)
    Now place the 2 back in.
    6+(6/2)
    6+3
    9

    • @GanonTEK
      @GanonTEK Před měsícem

      It's ambiguous notation.
      It all comes down to which interpretation of multiplication by juxtaposition you use.
      Academically, multiplication by juxtaposition implies grouping so
      6/2(1+2) means 6/(2*(1+2)) which using distribution would give 1.
      Literally/programming-wise, multiplication by juxtaposition implies only multiplication so
      6/2(1+2) means 6/2*(1+2).
      Using distribution then gives 9 instead.
      Distribution can only be used after you interpret the notation and it's the notation where the ambiguity happens. Which is why distribution and any other property of maths gives both 1 and 9.
      Notation is interpreted before any rules can be used.
      It's well known it's ambiguous notation.
      Even the American Mathematical Society stated it was as modern international standards like ISO-80000-1 mentions about writing division on one line with multiplication or division directly after and that brackets are required to remove ambiguity.
      Even many, many scientific calculators give 1 today for this expression.
      So, 1 isn't wrong at all.
      People just don't understand different conventions in use.

  • @johnblaze024
    @johnblaze024 Před 9 měsíci +1

    Anyone who got 1 for an answer should demand their tuition be refunded immediately (unless you graduated in 1917).

  • @eliashowe8418
    @eliashowe8418 Před 4 lety +858

    Maybe that’s why no one past fifth grade uses that division symbol

    • @nielsheirbaut4120
      @nielsheirbaut4120 Před 4 lety +25

      Finally someone with logics

    • @supertron6039
      @supertron6039 Před 4 lety +9

      Yup, you're right.

    • @alonso3184
      @alonso3184 Před 4 lety +3

      Yes thank you

    • @sageight818
      @sageight818 Před 4 lety +3

      Looks like someone didn’t pass grade 3 English. passed*

    • @fatkidinc.3058
      @fatkidinc.3058 Před 4 lety +56

      @@sageight818 if you're gonna roast someone on spelling, please atleast be right next time. Thanks

  • @pacha7977
    @pacha7977 Před 3 lety +602

    Oh, I had the 1917 math class, then

  • @Mrjpisgreat
    @Mrjpisgreat Před 9 měsíci +2

    The answer is 1. Especially since the distributive property applies to the expression in parenthesis. 2(1+2) = (1x2+2x2) = (2+4) = 6

    • @RS-fg5mf
      @RS-fg5mf Před 9 měsíci

      The Distributive Property supports 9 not 1
      The Distributive Property is a PROPERTY of Multiplication NOT Parentheses and not Parenthetical Implicit Multiplication. As such it has the same priority as Multiplication and Multiplication does not have priority over Division.
      The Distributive Property is congruent with the Order of Operations it doesn't supercede the Order of Operations... The Order of Operations work because of the Properties and Axioms of math not in spite of them...
      The Distributive Property when fully applied is an act of ELIMINATING the need for parentheses by drawing the TERMS inside the parentheses out not by drawing factors in... If you can't draw a factor in and get the same result as drawing the TERMS inside the parentheses out then you haven't applied the Distributive Property correctly...
      The Distributive Property does NOT change or cease to exist because of parenthetical implicit multiplication...
      The axiom a(b+c)= ab+ac however the variable "a" represents the TERM or TERM value i.e Monomial factor of the TERM outside the parentheses not just a numeral next to the parentheses. In this case a = 6÷2 OR 3. People just automatically assume that "a" is a single numeral...
      6÷2(1+2)= 6÷2×1+6÷2×2 Distributive Property
      Parentheses removed...
      6÷(2(1+2))= 6÷(2×1+2×2) Distributive Property.
      Inner parentheses REMOVED
      This can be further demonstrated using the vinculum....
      6
      ------(1+2)= 6÷2(1+2)= 9
      2
      6
      ------------ = 6÷(2(1+2))= 1
      2(1+2)
      A vinculum (horizontal fraction bar) serves as a grouping symbol. Neither the obelus or solidus serve as grouping symbols. The vinculum groups operations within the denominator and when written in an inline infix notation extra parentheses are required to maintain the grouping of operations within the denominator....
      ________
      2(1+2) = (2(1+2)) two grouping symbols each
      That over bar (vinculum) is a grouping symbol
      _______ _________
      2(1+2) = 2×1+2×2 one grouping symbol each
      Note that when applying the Distributive Property one grouping symbol was REMOVED from each notation...

  • @generator6946
    @generator6946 Před 10 měsíci

    I never got so tired of something as Algebra.
    Along with this and too many other horrors made me stage an escape!
    Still don’t regret it to this day.

  • @Marc_NL666
    @Marc_NL666 Před 2 lety +1293

    I'm 40 y/o and was taught the historical way in school. I don't feel historical though. I feel f*cked over because somewhere along the line people decided to change the rules of the game (and didn't inform me!!)

    • @Marc_NL666
      @Marc_NL666 Před 2 lety +8

      Good ol' "Meneer Van Dalen Wacht Op Antwoord" for the Dutch viewers...

    • @Marc_NL666
      @Marc_NL666 Před 2 lety +2

      @@manofculture9051 Your mom sends her regards! And dinner's at six, be on time please.

    • @kennethmiller2333
      @kennethmiller2333 Před 2 lety +31

      The problem isn't that the rules were changed; the problem is that they are being misapplied.

    • @HQBergeron
      @HQBergeron Před 2 lety +44

      I hate order of operation squabbles. That is not math, it is convention. If there is a governing body for math they should get together and design a convention that is definite, obvious, and universally agreed upon and taught. I was taught the historical method, but knew the current method, so I knew there were two possible answers depending on which system you used. (Not counting the latest anti-racist belief that every answer is correct because saying there is a definite answer would be racist.)

    • @michaelangellotti4773
      @michaelangellotti4773 Před 2 lety +10

      @@HQBergeron Agreed. It's mathematical semantics.
      #planetpluto

  • @shadowfoxx14
    @shadowfoxx14 Před 2 lety +1549

    Interpretation is the key word. The problem should, in my opinion, always be written as: (6÷2)(1+2) so there is no more confusion on interpretation

    • @nox_cadit
      @nox_cadit Před 2 lety +71

      But if this is on a test, you want to know that your students actually paid attention and learned correctly, writing the way you did removes the so called "ambiguity" (which there is none) and then there will be no way to actually know if they have learned correctly

    • @RS-fg5mf
      @RS-fg5mf Před 2 lety +56

      When you actually understand and apply the Order of Operations and the various properties and axioms of math correctly as intended you get the only correct answer 9
      If you don't apply the basic rules and principles of math correctly then you are already confused.

    • @lolmom3590
      @lolmom3590 Před 2 lety +77

      @@RS-fg5mf the answer is 1…

    • @RS-fg5mf
      @RS-fg5mf Před 2 lety +90

      @@lolmom3590 BODMAS/PEMDAS and any other acronym that is a memory tool for the Order of Operations
      6÷2(1+2)=
      6÷2(3)=
      3(3)=
      9
      2(3) is not a bracketed priority and is exactly the same as 2×3 M not B or O in BODMAS. Brackets/Parentheses only GROUP and GIVE priority to operations (INSIDE) the symbol not outside ....
      There is no rule in math that says you have to open, clear, remove or take off parentheses. The rule is to evaluate operations (INSIDE) the parentheses and nothing more.
      Commutative Property
      6÷2(1+2)=
      6(1+2)÷2=
      6(3)÷2=
      18÷2=
      9
      Distributive Property
      6÷2(1+2)=
      6÷2×1+6÷2×2=
      3×1+3×2=
      3+6=
      9
      The Distributive Property is an act of removing the need for parentheses by multiplying all the TERMS inside the parentheses with the TERM outside the parentheses... TERMS are seperated by addition and subtraction.
      6÷2 is one TERM attached to and multiplied with the two TERMS inside the parentheses 1 and 2
      Operational inverse of division by the reciprocal
      6÷2(1+2)
      6(1/2)(1+2)=
      6(1/2)(3)=?
      Multiply in any order you want you still get 9
      Proper use of grouping symbols
      6
      -----(1+2) = 6÷2(1+2)=9
      2
      6
      -------- = 6÷(2(1+2))=1
      2(1+2)
      A vinculum (fraction bar) is a grouping symbol and groups operations within the denominator and when written in a linear format extra brackets are required to maintain the grouping of operations within the denominator...
      Another argument people tend to use incorrectly is factoring....
      6 = 2+4 No parentheses required BUT
      6÷(2+4) parentheses required
      2+4= 2(1+2) only one set of parentheses required.
      6÷(2+4) we already have a set of parentheses and the factoring must take place within that first set of parentheses. You can NOT just dismiss the first set of parentheses out of hand in favor of the second set...
      The 2(1+2) must be placed within the first set of parentheses containing the (2+4)
      6÷(2+4) = 6÷(2(1+2)) NOT 6÷2(1+2)
      Let y = (1/2)
      6y(1+2)=?
      6y*1+6y*2= ?
      6/y⁻¹*1+6/y⁻¹*2= ?
      If you answered 9 to all three algebraic expressions then it would be ILLOGICAL and INCONSISTENT as well as hypocritical to say that 6/y⁻¹(1+2) doesn't also equal 9
      The rules of math have to remain logical and consistent across the board...
      THESE ARE THE FACTS....

    • @RS-fg5mf
      @RS-fg5mf Před 2 lety +16

      @@jonnel4038 x÷2y = x÷(2y) by Algebraic Convention... BUT x÷2(y)= x÷2*y by the Distributive Property...
      Parenthetical implicit multiplication does not have priority over division. When a constant, variable or TERM is placed next to parentheses without an explicit operator the OPERATOR is an implicit multiplication symbol meaning you multiply the constant, variable or TERM with the value of the parentheses not just the number next to it.
      The correct answer is 9

  • @Alicia-bx5fz
    @Alicia-bx5fz Před měsícem +2

    It’s 9 because let me show you so pemdas is parentheses first exponents next multiplication and division in the same step and then it is addition and subtraction in the same step so 6/2(2+1) so 2+1=3 then it is 6/2•3 ,6/2=3 and 3+3=9 SO THE ANSWER IS 9

    • @GanonTEK
      @GanonTEK Před měsícem

      It's simply ambiguous notation. A trick.
      Academically, multiplication by juxtaposition implies grouping but the programming/literal interpretation does not.
      That's the issue.
      You can't prove either answer since it comes from notation conventions, not any rules of maths.
      Wolfram Alpha's Solidus article mentions the a/bc ambiguity and modern international standards like ISO-80000-1 mention about division on one line with multiplication or division directly after and that brackets are required to remove ambiguity.
      Even over in America where the programming interpretation is more popular, the American Mathematical Society stated it was ambiguous notation too.
      Multiple professors and mathematicians have said so also like:
      Prof. Steven Strogatz, Dr. Trevor Bazett, Dr. Jared Antrobus, Prof. Keith Devlin, Prof. Anita O'Mellan (an award winning mathematics professor no less), Prof. Jordan Ellenberg, David Darling, Matt Parker, David Linkletter, Eddie Woo etc.
      Even scientific calculators don't agree on one interpretation or the other.
      Calculator manufacturers like CASIO have said they took expertise from the educational community in choosing how to implement multiplication by juxtaposition and mostly use the academic interpretation. Just like Sharp does. TI who said implicit multiplication has higher priority to allow users to enter expressions in the same manner as they would be written (TI knowledge base 11773) so also used the academic interpretation. TI later changed to the programming interpretation but when I asked them were unable to find the reason why.
      A recent example from another commenter:
      Intermediate Algebra, 4th edition (Roland Larson and Robert Hostetler) c. 2005 that while giving the order of operations, includes a sidebar study tip saying the order of operations applies when multiplication is indicated by × or • When the multiplication is implied by parenthesis it has a higher priority than the Left-to-Right rule. It then gives the example
      8 ÷ 4(2) = 8 ÷ 8 = 1
      but 8 ÷ 4 • 2 = 2 • 2 = 4

    • @RS-fg5mf
      @RS-fg5mf Před měsícem

      Yes, the correct answer is 9

  • @okaro6595
    @okaro6595 Před 9 měsíci +3

    The American mathematical society says in its style guide that multiplication with juxtaposition is done before division. That is generally how people do it.
    Most calculators do it so with the exception of TI. Even at the TI they admit it should be so but US math teachers insist that multiplication is always done at the same time as division.

    • @RS-fg5mf
      @RS-fg5mf Před 9 měsíci

      Ummm the AMS gives priority to ALL multiplication over division and suggests that you use multiplication by the reciprocal instead of Division...
      The ANS is specifically stateing a change to the STANDARD Order of Operations in their STYLE GUIDE...
      The AMS is also not dealing with basic 4th grade arithmetic expressions. While I don't like the idea of the AMS going against the standard rules and principles of math they have inducated it was for formatting and printing purposes and it only applies to their publication...
      6÷2(1+2) = 6*2⁻¹(1+2) is how the AMS prefer you write it.
      The majority of scientific calculators and online math engines give you the correct answer 9. CASIO has admitted to programming different models for different markets based on popularity and opinion not the rule of math.
      When you actually understand and apply the Order of Operations and the various properties and axioms of math correctly as intended you get the only correct answer 9

  • @geekforu8574
    @geekforu8574 Před 3 lety +446

    Just came to check if my brain was working and it is, I’m tired of fighting over the right answers through Twitter 🏃‍♀️

    • @blazecraze3652
      @blazecraze3652 Před 3 lety +14

      Just ask them if they've taken advanced functions or calculus, and then tell them if they ever used the ÷ symbol instead of /. I think thats some pretty solid evidence I should say

    • @katie-hy6ii
      @katie-hy6ii Před 3 lety +5

      NOT ALL OF US COMING FROM THAT TWEET BYEAKSJSKSJ 😭

    • @Araqius
      @Araqius Před 3 lety +2

      @@blazecraze3652
      ÷ and / are both division sign.

    • @carterangliss9288
      @carterangliss9288 Před 3 lety

      Same lol

    • @paisleigh1989
      @paisleigh1989 Před 3 lety +1

      @@blazecraze3652 UK don't take calculus or advanced functions as a separate subject so that wouldn't work

  • @frozenzenberry4101
    @frozenzenberry4101 Před 3 lety +706

    Congrats, this just became topical again. Expect another influx of views my man.

    • @darlinn7195
      @darlinn7195 Před 3 lety +6

      i just came to check if im braindead turns out nah

    • @kolowar6600
      @kolowar6600 Před 3 lety +5

      I dont know why people think this is hard

    • @Nash-
      @Nash- Před 3 lety +1

      @@kolowar6600 because they failed second grade

    • @qc7511
      @qc7511 Před 3 lety +1

      Anf another influx of ignorants disliking this video again.

    • @sadbird6644
      @sadbird6644 Před 3 lety +3

      I’m here to see if I’m brain dead this is basic I’m not through the video yet so I’m pretty sure it’s 1

  • @OLaro1483
    @OLaro1483 Před 6 měsíci +2

    Answer is 1
    Multiplication by juxtaposition always before division, they’re connected.
    6 over 2(1+2)
    6 over 6 is 1

    • @_Just_Another_Guy
      @_Just_Another_Guy Před 5 měsíci +1

      Wrong. Because in PEMDAS/BODMAS (notice the M and D placement) multiplication and division are on equal level.
      Write the ÷ in fraction form and it becomes less ambiguous:
      (6 / 2)(1 + 2)
      6 (1 + 2) / 2
      6(3) / 2
      18 / 2
      9
      This also works with PEMDAS where × or ÷ is done on a first come first encountered basis from left to right after doing the parenthesis:
      6 ÷ 2 (1 + 2)
      6 ÷ 2 (3)
      3(3)
      9

    • @OLaro1483
      @OLaro1483 Před 5 měsíci +1

      @@_Just_Another_Guy try that with money.
      Let say you have 6$ in your pocket « a »,
      You want to give it to your 2 friends that are with you that day « b »,
      Each one of them you give 1$ in the left hand « c » and 2$ in the right hand « d ».
      Answer is how many times can you do that on that day.
      a ÷ b(c+d)
      So the answer is?

    • @HolzAlaska
      @HolzAlaska Před 5 měsíci +1

      @@OLaro1483 making a text base question which fits your interpretation isn't an argument

  • @GamestaMechanic
    @GamestaMechanic Před 9 měsíci +3

    Say the equation out loud or type it: "six divided by two times, in parenthesis, one plus two."
    That would be 6 / 2 * (1+2)
    You cannot say the equation to get it to equal one UNLESS you specify that there's a bracket like this: 6 / [2(1+2)]
    Since there are no other extra brackets specified, order of operations say left to right and you get 9. Some school calculators get 1 because they automatically put assumed brackets because that is what is most likely meant by the user, however, what is orginally typed would equal 9, not 1. Most calculators take why you typed literally and give you 9, which is what is supposed to happen. Unfortunately people use calculators that make assumtions and then the people think that's what is supposed to happen.
    This is why writing code needs specifications, you cannot just let the computer make assumptions for you or else it would be wrong A LOT, you'll be wrong.

    • @GanonTEK
      @GanonTEK Před 9 měsíci +2

      The issue with the first line there is that it is not clear how to read it as we don't know what interpretation of multiplication by juxtaposition they used.
      It's like how
      "What is 6 divided by 2 times 3?" written like that is also not clear. It's bad writing.
      You need commas for clarity.
      So,
      "What is 6 divided by 2, times 3?"
      This would be (6/2)×3 = 9.
      You could also write
      "What is 6, divided by 2, times 3?" for the above answer.
      Or
      "What is 6, divided by, 2 times 3?"
      This would be 6/(2×3) = 1.
      Proper notation and writing makes all the difference.
      This is just a badly written expression. That's all.

    • @markprange2430
      @markprange2430 Před 4 měsíci +1

      The grouping of 2 and (1+2) is what told you that multiplication was involved.
      2(1+2) and 2(3) are groups. The group remains as (2 × 3).
      The original expression showed 2(1+2) as a group.

  • @heikounsold4920
    @heikounsold4920 Před 3 lety +798

    I came up with 1 as my solution. After listening to the explanation I found it logical that 9 would be correct. Now I tested my calculators to see what their solution would be and the first one (used as a standard calculator at schools) came up with 1. The second one (a more sophisticated graphic calculator also used at schools) showed me two different solutions, depending on the writing:
    1. 6÷2x(1+2)= 9
    2. 6÷2(1+2) = 1 but it changed the writing into 6÷(2(1+2))
    It's such a simple arithmetic problem but even calculators are challenged. I love it!

    • @RS-fg5mf
      @RS-fg5mf Před 2 lety +34

      When you understand and apply the Order of Operations and the various properties and axioms of math correctly you get the only correct answer 9. Some calculators are not programmed to handle parenthetical implicit multiplication correctly....

    • @gajarajmaharjan881
      @gajarajmaharjan881 Před 2 lety +40

      I'd still say 1 is the right answer because PEDMAS is skipping the priority of multiplication by juxtaposition. TI calculator use PEMDAS but Casio and hp have returned to PEJMDAS. It's mainly only North American "teachers" (note that, teachers not mathematician) who insist on PEMDAS.

    • @RS-fg5mf
      @RS-fg5mf Před 2 lety +21

      @@gajarajmaharjan881 you and many others are confusing and conflating an Algebraic Convention given to coefficients and variables that are directly prefixed and form a composite quantity to parenthetical implicit multiplication. They are NOT the same thing...
      6/2y = 6/(2y) = 3/y by Algebraic Convention BUT 6/2(y)= 3y by the Distributive Property...
      6÷2y the coefficient of y is 2 BUT 6/2(y) the coefficient of y is 3
      ABC/ABD = C/D by Algebraic Convention
      ABC/AB(D) = CD by the Distributive Property
      6/2(a+b)= 3a+3b not 6/(2a+2b)
      The Distributive Property is a PROPERTY of Multiplication, NOT Parenthetical Implicit Multiplication, and as such has the same priority as Multiplication... The Distributive Property does NOT change or cease to exist because of parenthetical implicit multiplication....
      Multiplication does not have priority over Division they share equal priority and can be evaluated equally from left to right....
      The Distributive Property is an act of eliminating the need for parentheses by drawing the TERMS inside the parentheses out not by drawing factors in. The Distributive Property REQUIRES you to multiply all the TERMS inside the parentheses with the TERM not just the factor outside the parentheses...
      TERMS are separated by addition and subtraction not multiplication or division...
      6÷2 is part of a single TERM...
      FURTHERMORE people misunderstand Parenthetical Priority... The rule is to evaluate OPERATIONS INSIDE the symbol as a priority before joining the rest of the expression outside the symbol. It does NOT literally mean that the parentheses have to be evaluated BEFORE anything else in the expression can be done...
      A(B+C)= AB+AC where A is equal to the TERM VALUE i.e. monomial factor outside the parentheses not just the factor next to it...
      A=6÷2
      B= 1
      C= 2
      6÷2(1+2)=
      6÷2×1+6÷2×2=
      3×1+3×2=
      3+6=
      9

    • @gajarajmaharjan881
      @gajarajmaharjan881 Před 2 lety +23

      @@RS-fg5mf I think, what's going on here is how you understand your question. When I see 6÷2(1+2) I see as the question that if there are 6 apple and you have to divide amongst two groups in which each group has one adult and two children. So how many apple do each person get.
      Now you tell me how do you interpret this question in real life? You are taking PEMDAS too literally and forgetting that the multiplication by juxtaposition takes priority over multiplication and division. The answer that 6÷2(1+2)=9 doesn't make sense in reality. What is the situation?

    • @RS-fg5mf
      @RS-fg5mf Před 2 lety +14

      @@gajarajmaharjan881 you don't interpret a math expression you evaluate a math expression following the basic rules and principles of math...
      Your word problem would be correctly written as 6÷(2(1+2))= 1
      You have 6 bags divided between 2 groups and each bag contains 1 red apple and 2 green apples. How many apples did each group get?? 6÷2(1+2)=9 apples per group.

  • @alaynac1610
    @alaynac1610 Před 4 lety +1129

    It’s 9.. how is this even viral, it’s 5th grade math..
    Also, I’m referring to PEMDAS which is taught in 5th grade. Watch the video if the answer you got wasn’t 9..

  • @user-bt9gs1yt5v
    @user-bt9gs1yt5v Před 7 měsíci +1

    I would have thought the presenter of the equation asked us to "Divide six by twice whatever value is within the brackets". The equation can be written as A divided by B where B=2(1+2). So if [A divided by B] = 1 and A =6, then B=6, This implies 2(1+2)=6 which is correct.
    If [A divided by B] = 9, and A=6, then B= 6/9or 2/3. This implies 2(1+2)=2/3 which is incorrect.
    The rule 'brackets first' is short for "Solve the brackets first" This implies the removal of the brackets from the equation first. In adding 1+2, you do not get rid of the brackets! You are still left with 2(3), and one cannot remove brackets from the equation without solving them. In this case you must multiply 3 by 2 to the brackets. You cannot just add in or take out brackets ad lib!
    In applying values, 2(3) is a single Value and is expressly implied in the equation.
    2 x (1+2) is two values and is not implied in the equation.
    It appears to me the problem lies in the computerisation of the equation. To me the equation is simple and unambiguous and means the same now as it did 50 years ago!

  • @Xoilen
    @Xoilen Před 9 měsíci +1

    Idk, before watching this I’m gonna say 9, Add the 1+2 in the bracket first, then multiply the bracket solution by 3 (6/2)

  • @neat2014
    @neat2014 Před 4 lety +709

    Presh: gives the correct answer
    People: *32k dislikes*
    Edit: 01/02/2020 : *33k dislikes* Edit 2: 05/05/2020 : *34k dislikes*

    • @neat2014
      @neat2014 Před 4 lety

      Fuzz Lightyear not anymore lol

    • @sahilsawal
      @sahilsawal Před 4 lety +2

      Now it is 33k

    • @GodGurdjieff
      @GodGurdjieff Před 4 lety

      😂😂😂

    • @fortnitenoobs98
      @fortnitenoobs98 Před 4 lety +10

      I think it’s more so people disliking that he solved literally a 4th grade problem on a channel based around more advanced math... although at least he gave it SOME substance with the whole historical bit. Still, kind of out of place on this channel.

    • @killerbowser7046
      @killerbowser7046 Před 4 lety

      mad because bad

  • @StuartLynne
    @StuartLynne Před rokem +201

    When programming, the correct answer is to never leave any ambiguity, so always add enough parenthesis to ensure that anyone reading it will understand your intention.
    So write 6 / (2 * (1 + 2)) OR write (6 / 2) * (1 + 2). Both are correct, but only one would be correct depending on what your intention is. So always make sure that you enter something that cannot be misinterpreted.

    • @RS-fg5mf
      @RS-fg5mf Před rokem +4

      So you are saying that we should be forced to write 5+(2×10) because too many people fail to understand the basic rules and principles of math and incorrectly believe that 5+2×10= 70

    • @StuartLynne
      @StuartLynne Před rokem +32

      @@RS-fg5mf Yes, for the same reason we add comments. Make sure that we know what is happening and that people reading it in the future know that we know what it means.

    • @RS-fg5mf
      @RS-fg5mf Před rokem +2

      @@StuartLynne then the Order of Operations and the various properties and axioms of math become redundant if you're going to add crutches for people who fail to understand and apply the basic rules and principles of math correctly

    • @onemorelisa3785
      @onemorelisa3785 Před rokem +25

      @@RS-fg5mf When math is being taught completely differently between generations, it’s bound to be misinterpreted. I’d rather them be in-depth and redundant so that people in the future won’t have to just assume anything. Assuming things causes a lot of problems.

    • @RS-fg5mf
      @RS-fg5mf Před rokem +3

      @@onemorelisa3785 math is only being taught differently if the prrson teaching it is incompetent....
      The Order of Operations and the various properties and axioms of math were established and internationally recognized and accepted as the standard for evaluating a math expression in the early 1600's when Algebraic notation was being developed in order to eliminate ambiguity and to minimize the unnecessary and excessive use of parentheses... The basic rules and principles of math have been the same for over 400 years... Math is based on rules not popularity or personal opinion. Failure to understand and apply the basic rules and principles of math correctly as intended is not a valid argument against them...

  • @henrysinclair5914
    @henrysinclair5914 Před 10 měsíci +1

    proves that math is clearly not the universal language

  • @Dojibu
    @Dojibu Před 10 měsíci +1

    I was under the impression that multiplication came before division in the order of ops. Glad to see my math wasn't completely off since I ended up with 1 in the end. Still, need to brush up on that stuff.

    • @Arcessitor
      @Arcessitor Před 6 měsíci +1

      It does, depending on the system. Video maker is wrong.

  • @tahmidali603
    @tahmidali603 Před 3 lety +119

    funny how i got both answers and then blamed my math teacher for making me so indecisive

    • @stephensteinhauer3346
      @stephensteinhauer3346 Před 2 lety +3

      Same. I got both answers and then watched the video to see what obscure rule they would pull out of their hat.

  • @zoltanfridrich1934
    @zoltanfridrich1934 Před 3 lety +1862

    for me as a programmer, this was very clearly a 9.

    • @sebastianteixeira2290
      @sebastianteixeira2290 Před 3 lety +197

      I'm not even a programmer, I just use basic bodmas knowledge

    • @ftn4513
      @ftn4513 Před 3 lety +1

      Yea

    • @velziqmapping3884
      @velziqmapping3884 Před 3 lety +4

      pog

    • @PuzzleAdda
      @PuzzleAdda Před 3 lety +12

      How can we get 60 by adding only three numbers out of these:
      2, 6, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26, 30, 34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54, & 58?

    • @zoltanfridrich1934
      @zoltanfridrich1934 Před 3 lety +67

      @@PuzzleAdda we cant. All of these numbers are in the form 2+4k where k is any number from { 0, 1, 2, ... , 14 }. The equation would be (2+4k)+(2+4l)+(2+4m)=60. After we simplify this we obtain k+l+m=27/2 but all of k, l and m are whole numbers. Therefore it is impossible to obtain 27/2 by suming k+l+m and the equation does not hold.

  • @EllenVee
    @EllenVee Před 9 měsíci

    It’s crazy how solving math problems change.

  • @HamRadio200
    @HamRadio200 Před 9 měsíci +1

    There ain't nobody arguing from historical context so explaining historical context to an audience that doesn't know history, or doesn't learn from history is pointless. The Order of Operations we all know stands. The answer is 9.

    • @RS-fg5mf
      @RS-fg5mf Před 9 měsíci

      👏👏👏👏👍👍👍

  • @normalhuman7969
    @normalhuman7969 Před 4 lety +840

    History biggest question: How did a 5th grade math question create a riot on the media

    • @Mobilizes
      @Mobilizes Před 4 lety +26

      It's not even 5th grade, it was 3rd or 4th grade

    • @medicine8470
      @medicine8470 Před 4 lety +12

      I learned this in 5th grade and solved this in approximately 5 seconds.

    • @TannerK.
      @TannerK. Před 4 lety +20

      Please read this comment, thank you.
      Solve for the 2 in parentheses, it is not a bracket [ ]
      6/2(1+x)=9
      3(1+x)=9
      3+3x=9
      3x=6
      X=2
      The problem is that people who think that it is 1 believe that after simplifying 2(1+2) is that they think it is the denominator of the fraction. For that to be true, there must be a parentheses in front of the 2.... (2(1+2)). You will do that first if that was in the problem, but it isn’t.
      6/2(1+x)=1
      6/2+2x=1
      Now you see that there is a fraction, but what can it be. If it is 2+2x, you get 2 as your final answer, which is correct. If it is just 2, you get -1, which is incorrect.
      However, you do division before addition, so you do 6/2 to get 3, eventually getting -1 as the solution.
      3+2x=1
      2x=-2
      X=-1
      This is incorrect, because we are trying to solve for 2 in the parentheses... 6/2(1+x)=1
      X should equal 2. People think that after distributing the 2 into (1+x), the whole thing stays in the parentheses. It disappears after you distribute.
      Thank you for your time.

    • @conscious5122
      @conscious5122 Před 4 lety

      Lol

    • @jimmybobhead44
      @jimmybobhead44 Před 4 lety +1

      norman hughmin because people are morons

  • @apocalypse_-_0076
    @apocalypse_-_0076 Před 4 lety +502

    Watching 5th grade math at 2AM even though I'm 15🤦‍♂️

  • @63shakeandbake
    @63shakeandbake Před 8 měsíci +1

    If the things on the right are to be divided by the left then you need to put parenthesis around everything on the right.

  • @gshalabama
    @gshalabama Před 2 měsíci

    To make this easy look at the division symbol, it’s a dot over a line over a dot. This tells you that what is on the left of the symbol goes on top and what’s on the right goes on the bottom.

  • @therealdave06
    @therealdave06 Před 2 lety +895

    The issue is, I agree that with the same precedence you go left to right so if it said 6 ÷ 2 × 3 I would correctly answer that as 9. However by wording it as 6 ÷ 2(1 + 2), my mind goes to expand the bracket first which gives 6 ÷ 6 = 1.

    • @timelyspirit
      @timelyspirit Před 2 lety +123

      This. I was taught (in the US) completing the parentheses/brackets meant you did all involved with the parentheses/brackets. Here, the parenthesis is what symbolizes the 2x3 so you still do that before the division.

    • @JrobAlmighty
      @JrobAlmighty Před 2 lety +35

      @@timelyspirit I was taught the same thing

    • @brittanym58
      @brittanym58 Před 2 lety +48

      Inside the parenthesis, outside the parentheses, then L to R.

    • @WokeVeganLiberal
      @WokeVeganLiberal Před 2 lety +17

      The rule is called BODMAS or BIDMAS
      It is the order of what you do first
      Brackets
      Indices (or other)
      Division & Multiplication
      Addition & Subtraction
      So here first we do the brackets
      6 ÷ 2 (1+2)
      6÷ 2 (3)
      6 ÷ 2*3
      Next we do division
      6÷2*3
      3*3
      Next we do multiplication
      3*3
      9

    • @jorgequintero8141
      @jorgequintero8141 Před 2 lety +29

      @@WokeVeganLiberal wait wasn’t it pemdas?
      Parentheses
      Exponents
      Multiplication
      Division
      Addition
      Subtraction

  • @MrTerrymiff
    @MrTerrymiff Před 7 lety +101

    6 / 2(1+2) Solve the brackets first
    = 6 / 2(3) Solve the brackets first
    = 6 / 6 Solve the division
    = 1 Basic

    • @Filtertuetchen
      @Filtertuetchen Před 7 lety +10

      First of all: 6/2(1+2) is the same like 6/2*(1+2). Even if it is not written, the * is between the 2 and the brackets.
      6/2*(1+2) Solve the brackets first
      = 6/2*3 Solve the division
      = 3*3 Solve the multiplication
      = 9

    • @alec95
      @alec95 Před 7 lety +8

      It is not the same. A scientific calculator makes a difference between 6÷2(1+2) and 6÷2*(1+2). Mine gets 1 for 6÷2(1+2) and 9 for 6÷2(1+2). It's simply not the same.

    • @SpectatorAlius
      @SpectatorAlius Před 7 lety +1

      Alneon I had a scientific calculator once. It did _not_ give the same answer as yours. Is yours a TI calculator?

    • @TheRealRaghibMrz
      @TheRealRaghibMrz Před 7 lety

      after you add the numbers in the brackets, its not a bracket anymore, it simply becomea 6 ÷ 2 × 3- then because in BODMAS division comes before multiplication, you do 6÷2 which is 3, and then multiply that by 3.

    • @AudriusN
      @AudriusN Před 7 lety +1

      you can solve as 2(1+2)=(2x1+2x2)=(2+4)

  • @Anonymityfan
    @Anonymityfan Před 4 měsíci +1

    Tbh to me this just shows you should just use the horizontal fraction symbol.

  • @user-qd4yc4vf7c
    @user-qd4yc4vf7c Před 7 měsíci +2

    This equation is: 6 divided by (2+4), clear the parens and you get 6/6=1 this is not difficult

  • @MindYourDecisions
    @MindYourDecisions  Před 5 lety +11091

    10 million views!

    • @franciscolovver3938
      @franciscolovver3938 Před 5 lety +18

      Gratz

    • @nogoodcops6557
      @nogoodcops6557 Před 5 lety +87

      I can't believe people don't know this. Congrats on the views.

    • @yazan.kioumgi
      @yazan.kioumgi Před 5 lety +44

      The comments section is amazing. One of the top comments concludes that you are doing a disservice to kids trying to learn mathematical protocols. I bet you didn't see that coming.

    • @InternetWeb
      @InternetWeb Před 5 lety +2

      MindYourDecisions wow nice

    • @khaitomretro
      @khaitomretro Před 5 lety +120

      So 6÷2a = 9 if a=3?

  • @vulcan5176
    @vulcan5176 Před 7 lety +296

    Me: Answer is obviously 1
    "Answer is 9"
    Me: Well fuck me.

    • @kaicluster6783
      @kaicluster6783 Před 7 lety +31

      It's actually 1 :) The person explaining made a crucial mistake thinking that () is the same as x.
      As many explained, it's not

    • @thegreatchinesedragon4610
      @thegreatchinesedragon4610 Před 7 lety +12

      Atomicninja - It is really 1 the ( ) go first. So it's 1+2 first which equals 3 obviously. Then the equation is 6/2 x 3 (the / is a division symbol). Then you multiply 2 into 3 then it's 6/6 and then your final answer is one. Simple to learn in school easy math.

    • @belalmangrio383
      @belalmangrio383 Před 7 lety +5

      Kai Cluster I don't agree I think the answer is 9 because you add the parentheses P, then you go from left to right so 6/2=3 and 3x3=9

    • @marving.5436
      @marving.5436 Před 7 lety +8

      first off 6/2=3 is already wrong because there is no multiplication
      6/2(3) is not the same as 6/2*3 or 6/2*(1+2)
      if you want to elimate (1+2) the equation should be (6/3) / (2(1+3)/3) then you get 2 / 2 =1
      or simply just 6/6=1
      The correct answer is 1 because 2(3) is somewhat like y(x) which means the value of y is multiplied by x time.. going that approach 2(3) is interpreted as 2+2+2 = 6
      6 / 6 = 1
      the algebraic expression is z / y(x)=

    • @sam9s
      @sam9s Před 7 lety +2

      Divide should precede Multiply so 6/2x3 should be 3x3=9

  • @redcrewmate1813
    @redcrewmate1813 Před 5 měsíci +10

    6 ÷ 2(1 + 2)
    * Parentheses come first.
    6 ÷ 2(3)
    * Rewrite with ×.
    6 ÷ 2 × 3
    * Multiplication and division are the same precedence, so solve left to right.
    3 × 3
    9 is the answer.

    • @GanonTEK
      @GanonTEK Před 5 měsíci +1

      It's simply ambiguous notation. A trick.
      Academically, multiplication by juxtaposition implies grouping but the programming/literal interpretation does not.
      Wolfram Alpha's Solidus article mentions the a/bc ambiguity and modern international standards like ISO-80000-1 mention about division on one line with multiplication or division directly after and that brackets are required to remove ambiguity.
      Even over in America where the programming interpretation is more popular, the American Mathematical Society stated it was ambiguous notation too.
      Multiple professors and mathematicians have said so also like:
      Prof. Steven Strogatz, Dr. Trevor Bazett, Dr. Jared Antrobus, Prof. Keith Devlin, Prof. Anita O'Mellan (an award winning mathematics professor no less), Prof. Jordan Ellenberg, David Darling, Matt Parker, David Linkletter, Eddie Woo etc.
      Even scientific calculators don't agree on one interpretation or the other.
      Calculator manufacturers like CASIO have said they took expertise from the educational community in choosing how to implement multiplication by juxtaposition and mostly use the academic interpretation. Just like Sharp does. TI who said implicit multiplication has higher priority to allow users to enter expressions in the same manner as they would be written (TI knowledge base 11773) so also used the academic interpretation. TI later changed to the programming interpretation but when I asked them were unable to find the reason why.
      A recent example from another commenter:
      Intermediate Algebra, 4th edition (Roland Larson and Robert Hostetler) c. 2005 that while giving the order of operations, includes a sidebar study tip saying the order of operations applies when multiplication is indicated by × or • When the multiplication is implied by parenthesis it has a higher priority than the Left-to-Right rule. It then gives the example
      8 ÷ 4(2) = 8 ÷ 8 = 1
      but 8 ÷ 4 • 2 = 2 • 2 = 4

  • @tomservo75
    @tomservo75 Před 4 měsíci +1

    I interpret it as 6 is the numerator to a fraction. I would argue however that although a calculator may treat it this way, the parenthesis is not in this case "implicit" multiplication. You must clear parentheses first 6 / 2 * 3 would be 9, but the parentheses count. But I can see the case for 9. I also don't buy that 1 is only "historically" correct. I have a math degree and taught the subject for 14 years, I've never heard of such a thing. Symbolic representation is alive and well, I see it in math textbooks (and I've seen more math books than a Star Wars geek has seen comic books) to this very day. Besides, we see calculators getting both answers, and, umm in case the zoomers aren't aware of this, hand held calculators didn't exist until the 1970s, about 30 years later for phones.

  • @boopster4795
    @boopster4795 Před 4 lety +214

    1:59 “And this gets us to the correct answer of dine”

  • @oliviairving2465
    @oliviairving2465 Před 2 lety +436

    I graduated in 2006. I also got the answer of 1. The "historical" version of the order of operations was still being taught 80 years after 1917.

    • @RS-fg5mf
      @RS-fg5mf Před 2 lety +5

      6÷2+4 ???

    • @JacksonOwex
      @JacksonOwex Před 2 lety +14

      @@RS-fg5mf Where the HELL did you get THOSE numbers?! PEMDAS(or a few other things that say the same basic thing): Parentheses, 1+2=3; Exponents, there are NONE so we move on; Multiplication and Division DO THEM AS YOU FIND THEM STARTING AT THE VERY BEGINNING(from left to right, you know the way we read things in most cultures!), 6/2(The first one you find when you start at the beginning) is 3, then we have *3, so 3*3 that's NINE!
      You didn't even come up with 1 which was my first thought but then I realized that I was wrong and redid the problem, and got NINE!

    • @JacksonOwex
      @JacksonOwex Před 2 lety +9

      If you got the answer 1 then you were taught WRONG, and as my father says, "You should go back and slap your teachers!"! The correct answer is NOT 1!

    • @RS-fg5mf
      @RS-fg5mf Před 2 lety +9

      @@JacksonOwex I never said the correct answer was 1. I absolutely understand the correct answer is 9
      I get pissed off when people say they were taught the historical method when they fail to even understand the context of this video and what the historical method was...
      The historical method was a misuse of the obelus by some text book printing companies who pushed the use of the obelus in a manner similar to the vinculum because the vinculum took up too much vertical page space, was difficult to type set and more costly to print with the printing methods at that time. However, this was in direct conflict with the Order of Operations and the various properties and axioms of math so the ERROR was corrected post 1917...
      This ERROR means that 1 is not and has never been the correct answer. BUT this ERROR i.e. method of using the obelus would have made 6÷2+4=1 by this incorrect use of the obelus... So when someone says they were taught the historical method I them what 6÷2+4 is equal to and when they answer 7 that's proof that they were not taught the historical method mentioned in this video...
      The real confusion is the false and misleading information and willful ignorance people have about parenthetical implicit multiplication. They incorrectly believe that 2(3) is a parenthetical priority and that the implicit multiplication gives it priority over the division which is FALSE.

    • @bunny_0288
      @bunny_0288 Před 2 lety +24

      @@JacksonOwex That wasn't how we were taught. I also graduated in 2006, and we were taught PEMDAS and to do them precisely in that order. My teacher never told us that Multiplication and Division were on the same level and Addition and Subtraction were on the same level. We were taught to multiply first and then divide. I only recently discovered that I was taught incorrectly. By reading through the comments, I realize that I am not alone and many of us were taught incorrectly.

  • @marshallviliesis
    @marshallviliesis Před 10 měsíci +1

    This is a language problem not a math problem.

  • @sarahmaerosa2712
    @sarahmaerosa2712 Před 5 měsíci

    i saw this once on a meme and got curious so I searched the answer up, and now i feel smart and educated by being a part of a comment section full of people who have done math their whole lives. XD

  • @Thedoctv
    @Thedoctv Před 3 lety +779

    Imagine using division symbol instead of fraction.

    • @mrpickle8959
      @mrpickle8959 Před 3 lety +12

      Yeah that's how that goes...?

    • @hochigaming14yearsago90
      @hochigaming14yearsago90 Před 3 lety +15

      It's 5th grade man

    • @sensei5668
      @sensei5668 Před 3 lety +37

      @@mrpickle8959 fractions is also division 1/2 is the same as 1÷2, and this works for anything.

    • @Langweiler11
      @Langweiler11 Před 3 lety +60

      @@sensei5668 sure it is the same thing. but with fractions the error couldn't happen as the order is directly visible. I personally haven't seen that operator once in university. If you are forced to write in one line (e.g. in programming) people use "/"

    • @sensei5668
      @sensei5668 Před 3 lety +5

      @@Langweiler11 that's my point

  • @TrevorKeenAnimation
    @TrevorKeenAnimation Před 6 lety +901

    So, the problem that yielded an answer of 1 in 1917 yields 9 today. Wow - inflation is everywhere!

    • @TeachUBusiness
      @TeachUBusiness Před 6 lety +35

      Trevor Keen You are correct. I was taught to do the the parenthetical expression, multiply and then divide.

    • @tozendai840
      @tozendai840 Před 6 lety +5

      The world parenthesis should be eliminated from all human language

    • @claudiosass
      @claudiosass Před 6 lety

      Trevor Keen j

    • @RemingtinArms
      @RemingtinArms Před 6 lety +7

      you were taught wrong. the end.

    • @DustinSilva
      @DustinSilva Před 6 lety +47

      It's because the creator of this video is a moron

  • @icycup2371
    @icycup2371 Před 4 měsíci

    It's just simple BODMAS rule application.
    Parenthesis is removed after the expression inside it is solved, thus the expression becomes 6/2*3, which by BODMAS rule is 3*3 = 9.

  • @theodavies8754
    @theodavies8754 Před 10 měsíci +1

    Both. Probably because I don't know much about the subject. I just fix things that people break, which keeps me very busy.

  • @andinbriwel1092
    @andinbriwel1092 Před 7 lety +582

    The "1917" example is exactly how I was taught both in high school algebra and in college algebra. That was in the 80's, not 100 years ago, lol.

    • @Nga_Babaye
      @Nga_Babaye Před 7 lety +26

      What does attending school in Appalachia have to do with it? Yes, I did and I was taught the 1917 way I guess from 1996-2013. WCU was still using in it in 2013, and so was all the other kids from other parts of the US.

    • @realisticdan3302
      @realisticdan3302 Před 7 lety +23

      same here...thank god for comments almost gave up on my math.

    • @Henry-mq2fv
      @Henry-mq2fv Před 7 lety +10

      honestly i dont know how long ago people didnt use the order of operations but im sure that in the 80s all mathematicians used it. id go as far as to say it probably existed at least a thousand years ago

    • @sanfrand22
      @sanfrand22 Před 7 lety +1

      Don't be jackass Steve

    • @Nga_Babaye
      @Nga_Babaye Před 7 lety +6

      realistic dan
      Appearantly my wife was retaught the correct way when she went to UMiss. Guess that why my kids always come home with the wrong answers when I help them do their school work

  • @XoRandomGuyoX
    @XoRandomGuyoX Před 7 lety +40

    My gut instinct was 1. I assume most people who go through higher math or science courses will naturally gravitate toward 1. To get 9 as the answer you'd be limiting yourself to notational rules and not applying the formula in any way with applied meaning.

    • @XoRandomGuyoX
      @XoRandomGuyoX Před 7 lety +3

      Now that I think about it a bit more, it might be illuminating to check the math by rewriting the problem as an algebraic formula: 6÷2(1+x)=1, solve for x. First you'd distribute the parenthetical expression and get 6÷(2+2x)=1. Then you'd multiply both sides of the equation to get 6=2+2x. Then subtract 2 from both sides to get 4=2x and thus through division you see that x=2.

    • @rwuttke
      @rwuttke Před 7 lety

      Yeah I think they are not getting that
      2(x+1) whilst it looks the same as 2*(x+1), it is NOT as the brackets are still in play.
      You would be required to drop the operator precedence to change 2(x+1) to 2*(x+1)
      The former is a single calculation and the later is two calculations.

    • @rageagainstmyhatchet
      @rageagainstmyhatchet Před 7 lety

      That's exactly what I was about to say.... :/

    • @Vinjoxx
      @Vinjoxx Před 2 lety

      Well said, and one of the best comments I've seen on this vid!

  • @shemiahwalker
    @shemiahwalker Před 3 měsíci +2

    Unless you rewrite the problem,and depending on the question.