yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Off-topic] newter55:
This is amazing how deeply rooted we are in our belief that we are right.

Amazingly, anyone who has said that they are sure that their response is absolutely correct and the only viable outcome is proven wrong by the laws of math.

In order to obtain 288 we must ignore the distributive rule which states that we can distibute the 2 over the 9+3 and get the same result as if we first perform the addition within the parenthesis. Well, at this point we would surely all agree that if the problem ended there, without that nasty preceding symbol, this would be a short thread as both the pedmas wetters and the distibutive geeks would wind up at the same conclusion. However, the ambiguous introduction of division into the problem is where we seem to have such a great divide (pun intended) on what to do first. Ironically, the fault is not with the math, but the way the expression is written. Once again we can simplify a bit and see the the result clearly follows common rules including the one which, regardless of how hard you insist on pedmas, left to right, or any other mnemonic, it makes no difference whether you multiply first, then divide from right to left; followed by a bit of subtraction, add a bit, then subtract some more, as m/d are equal, and a/s are equal. So, to show this one in as simple of terms as possible we need only look at 1-1+1+1-1 or 3/1*2*3/2. Go ahead and get crazy by mixing them together, any way you cut it your answers will always be the same, we cannot with any logic argue a result other than that which is apparent.

Ok, so given that these rules are clear and easily understood, why the confusion?

Interpretation as a result of poor notation. Presumably we all understand that the we can replace the division with the inverse and multiply, but had the problem been written with this little operation excluded, we would not have a 20 page thread going as the result would once again be clear to all. Clarity seems to evaporate on how one would go about eliminating the division. Would the result be 48 * (1/2)(9+3), completely ignoring the implied distribution which we have shown is not the problem with the problem? or 48 * (1 / 2(9+3)) acknowledging the distribution and opening up the can of worms all over again? I presume one would be tempted to even go so far as write their inverse as (1 / (2(9+3))) so as to remove all doubt given the nature of this problem but that would end all the fun again.

It seems I have written enough to help muddy the waters for now but i hope that we can begin to see that if in fact the problem was expressed in a coherent manner, our methods used in obtaining our "incorrect" results are indeed valid whether we wind up with 2 or 288, the fault lies in the originator of this twisted little joke.
[Off-topic] boborone:
Haha newter

Miss your insights in the cap forums
[Off-topic] newter55:
Meh...just amazed at peoples conviction. There are many "tricks" in math but the underlying rules are not at fault. They are either done by violating a rule through deception or confusion. Clearly this one is simply written with the intention of ambiguity.
[Off-topic] Vorbo:
I've never seen "PEDMAS" before, I've always known it as BEDMAS.

Brackets -> Exponents -> Division/ Multiplication -> Addition/Subtraction

So you follow that order for operations. Division/ Multiplication and Addition/Subtraction are both first come first serve.

Following those rules the answer is 288.
[Off-topic] waffle_:
I'm amazed that I can figure out this simple problem and you older people are wrong. Stop thinking deep.
[Off-topic] Ayrlupine:
You guys know that any self-respecting Mathematician wouldn't express a problem in such a terrible way, right?

Both answers are entirely feasible, because of the ambiguous way in which the equation is laid out.

That said, I went for 2, and I'm totally right because I'm just about to graduate with a degree in Maths. :P :D
[Off-topic] defrankzterz:
I think 288 is the right answer
[Off-topic] kdj67f:
You have to use statistics.

Statiscally speaking, this thread has trolled more people on the internet than Rick Astley.
[Off-topic] CaptainWeinerRocket:
It's 2
[Off-topic] GazaIan:
The problem is, you put parenthesis around the 2 and the 12. The only thing in Parenthesis should be the 12.

Because one number cannot be multiplied by itself (masturbation excluded) , you now work from left to right. The 2 is supposed to be outside of the parenthesis.

So you sir, have received an:

F.
[Off-topic] GazaIan:
Multiply and divide from Left to Right.
[Off-topic] zofong:
2 :) This is a very special problem with
[Off-topic] Nefariouss:
You should rework the problem following your advice.
[Off-topic] sumflipnol:
YouTube's PatrickJMT (offers an explanation) and WolframAlpha say it is 288.
[Off-topic] The__Malteser:
Both answers are correct :P
[Off-topic] MacaronyMax:
So yeah.. 105 votes.... Are there even that many people in O.T :eek: :D
[Off-topic] jaszek:
This thread is like iPhone vs. Android. Android(288) people explain why their idea is better, while the iPhone(2) crowd claims it's two and will never change their mind. They have no rational explanation.
[Off-topic] sotiris82:
i am certain it is 2:)
[Off-topic] obsidianchao:
No. 288.

48÷2(9+3)

48÷2(12)

24(12)

288

PEMDAS. M and D are in order of sequence from left to right. Therefore, it's 48÷2 BEFORE 2(12).

Schooled.
[Off-topic] :
I said the same thing, no one listened. :eek:

-I wrangled together some consonants and vowels and created this post-
[Off-topic] obsidianchao:
They should go back to school. -.-
[Off-topic] SciFiSurfer:
Sorry to brag, you two, but I said the same thing within the first couple pages of this thread.

This thread reminds me of two very distinct, specific things, which is the reason I gave up on it and you should, too.

In the political arena, we have basically two groups here in the U.S. which have diametrically-opposing views and little to no common ground. They will never be reconciled with one another, and efforts to try and do that are (and always will be) wasted.

There are those who say we never went to the moon, and will use every kind of either rational-seeming, or clearly irrational-sounding, reasons to "prove" we never went there. You could put them in a rocket and fly them there, and they'd still deny it. The only means of proof that would convince them -- maybe -- would also kill them: open their helmets on the surface of the moon and let them die of the elements.

Ultimately, there are none so blind as those who will not see, and none so deaf as those who will not hear.
[Off-topic] :
I did it on the third page, check it :)

-I wrangled together some consonants and vowels and created this post-
[Off-topic] MacaronyMax:
48/2(9+3)

2(9+3) = 24

48/24=2

Maybe we do things differently in the UK, but that's correct ;) We do brackets, LikeSquared and things, division, multiplication, and some others :p

So first we do the brackets which, like i shown is 2(9+3) which = 24, Now the only other thing left is division so it = 2 :D

Also, AFAIK only 3 people with a UK Flag have posted here, this guy who posted random things, Dan (Who started awarding OP internetz), and me :p
[Off-topic] :
Shut yo face Maxey :p You're not credible because you have massive fails, whose to say this isn't another fail? :D

-I wrangled together some consonants and vowels and created this post-
[Off-topic] MacaronyMax:
hahahhaha xD I'm right though!! I think :p
[Off-topic] jaszek:
Exactly, you do brackets first. only 9+3 is in the brackets, the 2 is outside so that follows standard order of operations. You explanation is correct, but you example isn't.
[Off-topic] :
This is still going on?!?!?

Sent from my......ummm...let me get back at'chya!
[Off-topic] Dirk:
i usually give up on equations once i've run out of fingers and toes :D
[Off-topic] obsidianchao:
Um... then English mathmaticians are idiots.
[Off-topic] MacaronyMax:
But is 2 not part of the equation? The bracket is 2 lots of the numbers inside added?
[Off-topic] idavid_:
Actually, another way of doing it is:

48÷2(9+3) = 48÷2×9+2×3 = 24×9+6 = 216+6 = 222

But that's probably wrong. 288 is correct, because of order of operations.
[Off-topic] lordxentris:
Universal Answer is 2
[Off-topic] boborone:
Universal answer is wrong

Sent from a super smooth captivate running andromeda
[Off-topic] gatokichi:
My android phone's calc told me the answer is 288.
[Off-topic] MacaronyMax:
Android calc = American maths? :p
[Off-topic] gatokichi:
I don't know the application name.

It's android default calc.
[Off-topic] EclipseX:
I confirm that....its 288 =)

48/2 first

9+3 second

48/2=result

result*(9+3)

288
[Off-topic] husam666:
48/2*12=24*12=288

Simple logic :p

10 post limit for the off-topic or close xda
[Off-topic] :
thank you husam!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :d
[Off-topic] idavid_:
@people who think it's 2

Omg it's 288. Get over it.
[Off-topic] talont101:
2 .... :)
[Off-topic] :
>_> I now have a new noob I must hate.
[Off-topic] husam666:
I think what people want is a program written in more than 4 different languages so that maybe they will believe it's 288 :mad:

10 post limit for the off-topic or close xda
[Off-topic] kdj67f:
Still 2...
[Off-topic] vongikking:
I would have to say 2

First the parentesis than the rest.
[Off-topic] lordxentris:
Don't blame Calc, Blame yourself :P
[Off-topic] GazaIan:
I have, i explained it as much as i humanly could. It's in a previous post somewhere here.
[Off-topic] GazaIan:
Just reposting this for anyone who missed it...
[Off-topic] violetv6:
Follow the order of operations.

48÷2(9+3)

48÷2*(12)

24*(12)

288

:P simple.
[Off-topic] l_sarra:
It's simple.

288 :D
[Off-topic] DJSpyral:
My calculator says 288 ... ;)
[Off-topic] Nefariouss:
My apologies. I misread that post. Thought you were in the 2 club. However now I see you are in the cool group of 288.
[Off-topic] racerboy3801:
Its two. You have to do the brackets first, then do the equation.

Its Called BODMAS.

brackets of division multiplication addition and subtraction.

So 2x12 =24

48/24=2

2

Sent from the Nether :)
[Off-topic] Drzfr3shboialex:
Answer is 24 x 12, order of operations
[Off-topic] idavid_:
Ahhh ****. I just figured it out. It could be both, because Division and Multiplication are equal (or something, I suck at this :p)
[Off-topic] :
So close, you get an E for effort haha

-I wrangled together some consonants and vowels and created this post-
[Off-topic] Carcass.br:
288

First do what's inside the parentheses...

After do the div operation, it's like a computer interprets it...
[Off-topic] Tony_GPR:
48%2(9+3) = x

48%2(12) = x

48%24 = x

x = 2​
[Off-topic] jaszek:
That is wrong, 48%24=0 lol

And as I said before

once you get to the 48 / 2(12) you do it from left to right. That's how order of operations work, you can't just switch them around.
[Off-topic] VeryCoolAlan:
PEMDAS order of operation.
[Off-topic] :
48%2(9+3) = x

24(9+3)=x

24(12)=x

x = 288
​
[Off-topic] sakai4eva:
This thread just proves that programmers are stupid. Accountant's answer to boss:

If it's about profits, my salary and my bonus = 288

Everything else (and oh, so especially costs) = 2
[Off-topic] Carcass.br:
Honestly, no...

Try to test it:

#include <stdio.h>

#include <stdlib.h>

int main()

{

printf("%d\n\n",48/2*(9+3));

system("pause");

return 0;

}

Programmer language and computer process have a standard process of programming , first what is inside of parentheses, before the the expressions with priority...

It's not a question of stupid programmers or not...
[Off-topic] sakai4eva:
So full of win!
[Off-topic] Carcass.br:
?

123456789
[Off-topic] watt9493:
Pemdas anybody? Parantheses, exponents, mult, div, sub, addition? Am i wrong?
[Off-topic] jaszek:
Anyone with C++ should test this

#include<iostream>

using namespace std;

main()

{

int num;

num = 48 / 2(9+3);

cout<<"Ze answer is "<<num<<endl;

return 0;

}
[Off-topic] aviatorboy:
1234567890
[Off-topic] Tyrian89:
The answer is... Error... Oops I think I b0rked it.
[Off-topic] wickedny15:
Order of Operation, PEMDAS

People with Ti-83/84/89 should know that you must put the the 2(9+3) in its own parentheses to follow the order of operations PEMDAS, in order for the multiplication to be done before the division.

This is the proper way of plugging it in your Ti calculator 48 / (2(9+3)) and you should get 2
[Off-topic] chinly43:
THIS IS NOT AN AMBIGUOUS QUESTION.

Neither multiplication nor division has higher priority than the other. Placing the 2 next to the parentheses (rather than including the multiplication sign) leads to confusion, but does not change the meaning of the expression.

48 divided by 2 multiplied by (9 plus 3).

48 divided by 2 multiplied by 12.

Every operation is now the same priority level, so it goes left-to-right.

24 multiplied by 12.

288.
[Off-topic] zwade01:
This is correct, (Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally). The answer is 2. Anyone who disagrees needs to retake elementary school math :p
[Off-topic] :
And you need to take a more difficult form of math. As you should know Math does become more difficult which nulls some of the more simplistic rules. ;) I know this and I could definitely improve my Math. :rolleyes: Not meaning to Troll, but I do believe I needed to give my two cents haha

-I wrangled together some consonants and vowels and created this post-
[Off-topic] wickedny15:
For the slower people, iv'e inserted a pic below.. the answer is 2

you can't divide 2(9+3) into 48, get it as a number first by using order of operations, then divide.
[Off-topic] :
You started a war haha :p

Thank you :D
[Off-topic] newter55:
If you interpret the number being directly next to the parenthesis to mean that it should follow the distributive rule then the answer is 2.
[Off-topic] jaszek:
The amount of fail in this thread forces me to back out of here.

And even though I explained it in mathematical terms AND programming terms, people will still think it's 2.
[Off-topic] kdj67f:
It's 2.

U mad bro?
[Off-topic] sakai4eva:
Alright, I would like to print a retraction and un-vote.

The answer is 288, both in Excel, and (most importantly) in Wolfram Alpha.

http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=48÷2(9+3)

I stand corrected.
[Off-topic] fnordsnafu:
288, according to my middle schooler. 2, according to my 4th grader.

I go for 288 as a knee jerk reaction....then I look too close and doubt settles in.
[Off-topic] :
It's obviously 288 :p

-I wrangled together some consonants and vowels and created this post-
[Off-topic] twiz0r:
I say 2! I know this because I'm a mathematician ;)

Swyped from my cyanogenized and gingerbreaded EVO
[Off-topic] :
I fail to believe this :D
[Off-topic] newter55:
And of course your interpretation of an ambiguously written problem must be correct... :/
[Off-topic] zephyrcube:
The answer is 10.
[Off-topic] Dirk:
42?

10chars
[Off-topic] sakai4eva:
Teehee.... was wondering when you'd chime in with that :D
[Off-topic] gravian:
288

(10 chars included)
[Off-topic] boborone:
It is 48 / an equation. Solve the equation first.

48 / 2(9 +3) =

48 / ((2 * 9) + (2 *3)) =

48 / ((18) + (6)) =

48 / (24) =

48 / 24 =

48 /24 = 2
[Off-topic] LowFire82:
Was just about to post this
[Off-topic] jaszek:
48÷(2(9+3)) = 2

48÷2(9+3) = 288
[Off-topic] mrfarnhigh:
well it's 2, I guess it's a bit confusing...

48÷2(9+3) = 24÷(9+3) = 48÷(18+6) = 2

nokia also thinks 680MHz = 1.2GHz Dual Core (J/K!)
[Off-topic] DanWilson:
Successful Troll is successful.

You win an internet.

JK. ALL YOUR INTERNET IS MINE!
[Off-topic] Carcass.br:
I really don't know what was "troll", now that i know, omfg...

It's something that children that have 8 years old do...
[Off-topic] sakai4eva:
I really don't know what was "grammar", now that I know, omfg...

It's something that children that have 8 years old don't...
[Off-topic] arikyeo:
I know for a fact the answer is 2 because I am still quite ok in my Additional-Math equations, etc.... Though I still don't understand the point of learning Polynomials.

Let me give a little lecture/sermon.

48÷2(9+3) = ???

There're steps in solving all problem sums, as we learnt.

1) Solve the problem whithin the brackets first.

2) Solve the Multiplication & Division problems in the eqn.

3) Then, solve the Addition & Subtraction problems in the eqn.

In this case, we first have to do the 9+3 in the brackets. The answer is 12, obviously.

So the eqn shld look like this:

48÷2(12) = ???

Now, we have to do all the multiplication & division. Can do in any order. 2 x 12 is 24.

So...

48÷24 = ???

The answer is 2.
[Off-topic] kareemsamman:
I disagree (no offence)

48÷2(9+3)= (Brackets are always first)

48÷2(12)= (Since the brackets here do not refer to a sub-equation it is referred to multipilcation)

48÷2x12= (In the order of operations ÷ and x are on the same level, so we multiply, divide from left to right)

24x12=288
[Off-topic] arikyeo:
Disputable... Let's ask a professor shall we?
[Off-topic] kareemsamman:
Here you go:

This should end the war eh?
[Off-topic] boborone:
Edit nope.....
[Off-topic] arikyeo:
Wow. Using algebra. Didn't think of that...

Bravo...
[Off-topic] kareemsamman:
Yup, my friend.. Algebra does it all!
[Off-topic] arikyeo:
Terrible joke. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAha... ha......ha.
[Off-topic] kareemsamman:
And I might have ended it :P

EDIT: Maybe not, because the "2" crowd are just thick-minded
[Off-topic] :
Yes definitely 2 even though my calculator says something else... Stupid thing... This is high school (and maybe a pinch of elementary? :p) stuff :)
[Off-topic] arikyeo:
This should be called "ALL PEOPLE WHO KNOW MORE THAN JUST 1+1 UNITE!" thread. In the sense. I think you know what I mean.
[Off-topic] kareemsamman:
Look at my 2nd post in page 7, it'a the proof that the answer is 288
[Off-topic] chinly43:
While I wholeheartedly agree the answer is unambiguously 288, I don't think your proof will actually prove anything to the "2" crowd. The first lines correctly show the order of operations, but that's where folks seem to disagree with us.
[Off-topic] kareemsamman:
I'll think of another proof
[Off-topic] smokeybandit:
Where in the real world would you have an expression denoted like this though without any variables?
[Off-topic] kareemsamman:
What do you mean??
[Off-topic] boborone:
Kareem your math is flawed.
[Off-topic] daddij:
order of operations buddy! :D. Can't mess with My Dear Aunt Sally now hahah
[Off-topic] boborone:
The problem is all of you think that the parenthesis cam just disappear. They can't. You must multiply it by two. Then move on.
[Off-topic] boborone:
The only way it would be 288 is of it was written like

48 / 2 * (9 + 3)

But its not. You have to solve the 2(9+3) equation first.
[Off-topic] chinly43:
There is nothing written to indicate that the two should be distributed into the parenthetical before it divides 48. If brackets were included, then you'd be right, but otherwise, order of operations must go left-to-right.
[Off-topic] boborone:
Look written write three

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linear_equation
[Off-topic] boborone:
Same property as a quadratic without the power raising to make slopes and curves

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quadratic_equation
[Off-topic] Djapatos:
whaaattt??!!

even if there is no brackets, the order of the operation should be product (X) first, division (/) second, sum (+) third and subtraction (-) fourth.

No left to right
[Off-topic] kareemsamman:
No sir!

You're half right my friend, the parenthesis cannot disappear if they are sub-equations, in this case (9+3). You calculate the sub-equation (9+3)=(12) till this part you're 100% right. BUT if the parenthesis aren't sub-equations, in this case (12) they are referred as multiplication not priority
[Off-topic] chinly43:
Could you explain more about what you think applies from that? 2(9+3) isn't a separate equation.

EDIT: this is in response to the linear equation wiki page.
[Off-topic] :
Please excuse my dear Auny Sally. PEMDAS( Parenthesis, exponent, multiplication, division, addition, subtraction). Therefore you do (9+3)=12. Times is by 2 = 24. Then divide 48/24 = 2. Thats 3rd grade mathematics where they say dont depend on a calculator.

Sent from my......ummm...let me get back at'chya!
[Off-topic] chinly43:
You have learned this incorrectly. Multiplication and division are the same level of priority, and occur left-to-right. Same goes for addition/subtraction.

EDIT: you too, knowledge561.
[Off-topic] :
Im sorry but I am correct. Im upto the point in calculus where calculators dont even do us any good. The answer is 2. You get 2 different answers depending on the type of calculator. Scientific calculators say 2 and regular ones says 288 I believe.

Sent from my......ummm...let me get back at'chya!
[Off-topic] kareemsamman:
You're totally right.
[Off-topic] :
This thread is the reason why the US Economy sucks. Our math is all jacked up!!!

Sent from my......ummm...let me get back at'chya!
[Off-topic] kareemsamman:
False, my Casio fx-82ES answers the equation as 288

EDIT: For the answer to be 2 the equation should look like this
[Off-topic] :
So does my phone, im taught that the answer should be 2. Im going to ask my professor.

Sent from my......ummm...let me get back at'chya!
[Off-topic] :
Yup. Its 288. You are correct. This question has changed my life.

Sent from my......ummm...let me get back at'chya!
[Off-topic] boborone:
Nobody stands against the links I provided? Talk all you want, but read first.
[Off-topic] chinly43:
I'd like to know what specifically is evidence one way or the other from the links.
[Off-topic] :
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_operations

Scroll down to Mnemomics and it explains that M/D are equal presidence and so is A/S. Thus the answer IS 288. Answer 10-3+2 and youll find the answer to be 9, not 5.

Sent from my......ummm...let me get back at'chya!
[Off-topic] iynfynity:
I learned a lot from this thread.
[Off-topic] michalbrz:
It is quite pitiful that this topic has 10 pages.... :eek: Get back to school :D
[Off-topic] Chainfire:
It's neither, both, and several other answers. What the original question is missing is CONTEXT.

(1) purists would BEDMAS it

(2) it is not uncommon on paper to write like this:

"48 % (extra whitespace) 2(9+3)"

Usually indicating that 2(9+3) is calculated before 48 % ... As opposed to writing a * between 2 and (9+3). Did the formula come from somebodies quicknote book ?

(3) did it come from a programmer, program, or source code? In that case you have to know the language. Some languages evaluate equal operations left-to-right, others right-to-left - some even make divide and multiply unequal.

(4) did it come from a programmer, program, or source code? Does % mean divide, or modulo ?

Without knowing the proper context, all we can really say is that anybody writing an equation this way without further clarification, should simply be taken out behind the shed and shot. On a site like XDA-Developers, the formula is ambiguous - even though it may not be on your average math test.
[Off-topic] Carcass.br:
When the compiler "translates" the source code to binary, it takes all the expressions and treats them the same way that mathematics is...

In C/C++ "% = mod"
[Off-topic] kdj67f:
You have all lost the game.
[Off-topic] elixir911911:
I find it really sad that this post has gained eleven pages and people are evaluating it this hard. i looked t the poll and got it wrong....kinda sad considering I'm pursuing engineering. But there is no way to argue math. It doesn't matter if you're using some screwed up programming language that interprets it backwards.....that's the fault of the program. Order of operations. do parentheses first....(9+3)=12. then multiply AND divide through the whole equation LEFT TO RIGHT. No arguing that if you do it this way 48/2=24.....24*12=288.....this is rather hilarious though....i just can't believe this thread gained that much attention. Good Post!
[Off-topic] Andrewsc1:
actually i believe the answer is 42.
[Off-topic] mrdidovets:
hahahahaahahahha
[Off-topic] Tutti-frutti:
48÷(9+3)=4

48÷1(9+3)=576

That's what my hamster told me.
[Off-topic] chinly43:
Yes, written that way.
[Off-topic] newter55:
Exactly!!!