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A simple arithmetical challenge.
#1
A simple arithmetical challenge.
I found a load of people arguing over the answer to this one on Facebook, so I thought it might be good to see how many people know the answer here.

What is: 3 + 3 x 3 - 3 + 3?

Please use hide tags when answering, so people don't see the answer before they work it out.

If you don't want to work it out, the answer is below:


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#2
RE: A simple arithmetical challenge.



I hope I got it, otherwise I will feel like a fool Tongue
But on the other hand, I suck at maths.. '-_-
When I was young, there was a god with infinite power protecting me. Is there anyone else who felt that way? And was sure about it? but the first time I fell in love, I was thrown down - or maybe I broke free - and I bade farewell to God and became human. Now I don't have God's protection, and I walk on the ground without wings, but I don't regret this hardship. I want to live as a person. -Arina Tanemura

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#3
RE: A simple arithmetical challenge.
BTW, this thread reminds me of this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9h1oqv21Vs
When I was young, there was a god with infinite power protecting me. Is there anyone else who felt that way? And was sure about it? but the first time I fell in love, I was thrown down - or maybe I broke free - and I bade farewell to God and became human. Now I don't have God's protection, and I walk on the ground without wings, but I don't regret this hardship. I want to live as a person. -Arina Tanemura

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#4
RE: A simple arithmetical challenge.
Indeed, while addition and subtraction are associative between themselves (so is multiplication and division between themselves), multiplication/division takes precedence over addition/subtraction.

Here is another one: Big Grin

6+ (-1) x 0 + 2 / 2

The answer is obviously 1


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#5
RE: A simple arithmetical challenge.
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.
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#6
RE: A simple arithmetical challenge.
(October 14, 2013 at 8:48 am)LastPoet Wrote: Here is another one: Big Grin

6+ (-1) x 0 + 2 / 2

Let's see..




Did I get it right, LP?
When I was young, there was a god with infinite power protecting me. Is there anyone else who felt that way? And was sure about it? but the first time I fell in love, I was thrown down - or maybe I broke free - and I bade farewell to God and became human. Now I don't have God's protection, and I walk on the ground without wings, but I don't regret this hardship. I want to live as a person. -Arina Tanemura

Reply
#7
RE: A simple arithmetical challenge.



Everyone should be able to do this. Well, everyone above age 8 and possibly younger ...
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#8
RE: A simple arithmetical challenge.

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#9
RE: A simple arithmetical challenge.
I'm just glad I was barefoot for the first problem...anything over 10 usually gives me fits.

I'm also glad to see people on facebook attempting challenges such as this-


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#10
RE: A simple arithmetical challenge.
I got it first try. I want my cookie Cookie
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