Posted by jebmath on November 08, 2002 at 23:25:04:
This has to do with what I always called implied multiplication, but don't see that phrase anywhere. Presenting two problems: (DS stands for the traditional division symbol that I do not know how to make with out equation editor) 105 DS ab where a=3 and b=5 Do you multiple 5 by 3 and then divide 105 by that product or do you divide 105 by 3 and then multiply by 5? SEcond problem is 12 DS 2(6-3)+3^2-1. do you multiply 2 by the difference of 6 and 3 first and then divide 12 by that product or do you divide 12 by 2 and then multiply by the 3? I need references, not just opinions. We already have lots of those.