• dragnucs@lemmy.ml
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    3 years ago

    The two equations are different. The order is not the same when writing the multiplication sign and when omitting it. When omitted, it takes precedence.

    6÷2×(2+1) ≠ 6÷2(2+1).

    Imagine it like a÷bc versus a÷b×c.

    The variable “a” is a single term and “bc” is a single term too. “bc” is the same as (b)© but not the same as b×c when speaking of operations order.

    • drop@lemmy.ml
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      3 years ago

      Hmm interesting. I’ve never heard that omitting the multiplication sign affects the order of operations. It could be that it’s taught differently in different places. I’d probably interpret a/bc as (a/b)*c, though I’d be a bit confused seeing it written without parentheses.