what is the answer to this: 6/2(1+2)

Question

9 is wrong btw, its 1

Answer 1

Don't let the transitions from paper math to machine math (calculators, computers, etc.) trouble you.

 

Conventions like PEMDAS have helped, but "implied multiplication by juxtaposition" and how to "interpret the obelus, or ÷ symbol" are changing because "/" is used on one-line expressions and machine (that is, calculators and computers) are ubiquitous.  Thus, math rules are changing.

 

Here is an easy-to-read summary of this social media discussion topic:

 

http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2013/03/

facebook_math_problem_why_pemdas_doesn_t_always_give_a_clear_answer.html

Answer 2

Assuming it is correctly parenthesized as 6 / [2(1 + 2)],

 

6 / [2(1 + 2)] = 6 / [2(3)] = 6 / 6 = 1

 

The only way to get 9 is to parenthesize it as (6/2)(1 + 2) = (3)(3) = 9