This one surprises the uninitiated because of their bias to perform the operation in the same order they read a sentence, from left to right. Some of those who know that multiplication should precede addition sometimes also think addition should precede subtraction. It kind of shows how learning things at a superficial level doesn't last very well.
The exercise of spelling out the rules which completely describe how a thing works has the most value to those who think it through for themselves. Of course the rules for the standard order of operations are primarily notational conventions.
The exercise of spelling out the rules which completely describe how a thing works has the most value to those who think it through for themselves. Of course the rules for the standard order of operations are primarily notational conventions.
