Explaining 6÷2(1+2), the correct answer
This has been spinning on internet from ages on what is the correct answer to the problem 6÷2(1+2). The two answers floating are
- 6÷2(1+2) = 9
- 6÷2(1+2) = 1
The source of confusion really lies in 2(1+2), where it is considered as an atomic equation which it is not, it is really 2 x (1+2). Now apply the BODMAS and you will get the answer correctly which is 9.
Watch the short video or read on
Details:
The Maths behind this has always been the same : BODMAS.
Which means Brackets, Orders, Division, Multiplication, Addition and Subtraction.
This is how you really solve it
The Correct Answer
Q : 6÷2(1+2)
= 6÷2 x (1+2) –> Writing the correct way : Adding x
= 6÷2 x 3 –> BODMAS says solve the brackets first
= 3 x 3 –> Then the Division
= 9 –> Then the Multiplication
The Incorrect Answer and the source of confusion
This started with the notion of learning Algebra with variables : 2a ÷ 3b is considered to be (2xa) ÷ (3xb) i.e. you would do the multiplication first and then the division
Apply this to the current question. We considered 2(1+2) be executed first.
Leading to 6 ÷ 6 which is totally incorrect
6÷2(1+2) was considered 6 ÷ 2a –> A direct violation of BODMAS
Learn well folks, now you know what not to do