| Discussion: | All Topics |
| Topic: | Order of Operations (BOMDAS) |
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| Subject: | RE: Order of Operations (BOMDAS) |
| Author: | Mathman |
| Date: | May 9 2006 |
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> The "BOMDAS" seems to be a powerful tool for students to remember
> the order of operations, but it is found that some teachers/students
> have a mis-understanding on the concept. Following is an example,
> 5x4-4+6 = ?
My calculation is 5x4-4+6=20-4+6=22
The misconcept
> calculation is 5x4-4+6=20-4+6=20-10=10 (because addition is first
> and substraction second).
This was brought to my attention by a recent reply. I must say, "No!"
IF one must use a device like this, then the device must be interpreted as to
its intent. The important thing is that the students are taught the proper
rules and conditions, and that
this is then a secondary, not a primary weapon for the solution; simply
something to jog the memory if and when needed. BOMDAS has been said here as
BODMAS, and could as well have been BOMDSA. The meaning in the one indicated
here is ...
Brackets, then
Order, then
Mutiplication OR division, then
Addition OR subtraction.
There is no confusion except that being created.
David.
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