Thread: 48÷2(9+3)=?

Originally Posted by benner

From what I'm gathering it depends on how you look at it. I've came to the conclusion that both are right and exceptable answers depending on the form of math required.

If you're working distribution I see it as

48 ÷ 2(9+3) so
48 ÷ ((9*2)+(3*2)) then
48 ÷ (18+6) then
48 ÷ 24 equals
2

But conventional BEDMAS says

48÷2(9+3) so
48÷2*(12)
(48÷2)*(12)
24*12
288

I have never seen a case where you distribute amongst constants. That entire top form would be considered "incorrect algebra."