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Math Forum » Discussions » Education » math-teach

Topic: Order of operations (fwd)
Replies: 12   Last Post: May 15, 1995 11:58 PM

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DoctorCHEK@aol.com

Posts: 67
Registered: 12/6/04
Re: Order of operations (fwd)
Posted: May 13, 1995 6:37 PM
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If we went left to right and that was the only rule, then we could not write
things like x raised to the (b+c) power.
How would we write: x divided by the quantity (a-b)?
x/a-b would mean x divide by a .....minus b so would not work.
x/(a-b) does the trick, but clearly is not done left to right as you'd
like....so, we have agreed upon a certain order that allows more flexibility.

Solving equations, I think, would be a nightmare as well....

2 + 3x = 14 would mean 5x=14

suddenly the commutative property would be in jeopardy as we SHOULD be able
to change the above equation to:

3x + 2 = 14 ..........but now this does not mean 5x=14 anymore

Just a few thoughts....



Harvey Becker
California

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