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help with algebra
Posted: Thu Feb 14, 2013 5:23 pm
by icw
Hi can anyone help with a simple problem, as I am not sure I am helping my dd correctly
2dr²p
Should the above be re-written as
2xdxrxrxp
or
2xdx(rxr)xp
or does it not matter?
Re: help with algebra
Posted: Thu Feb 14, 2013 5:49 pm
by twelveminus
2dr²p
is equivalent to
2 * d * r * r * p
No brackets are required, since all the operations are the same (multiplication).
Extra brackets can be useful, as in for example
((2 + 6) * 3) +
((3 + 4) * 4)
which is clearer than
(2 + 6) * 3 + (3 + 4) * 4
even though it gives the same answer
But in this case brackets, while not changing the result, are undesirable.
Re: help with algebra
Posted: Thu Feb 14, 2013 5:57 pm
by icw
Thanks for the swift response
Re: help with algebra
Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2013 10:20 pm
by icw
hi again
Can you help with another one
7+4x3 = 19
Does this need the brackets i.e
7+(4x3) = 19
or do we assume that in BODMAS multiplication comes before addition etc so we don't need to show the brackets ?
Re: help with algebra
Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2013 8:08 pm
by twelveminus
they are identical, the brackets may clarify, and are not harmful, but they are not necessary
Re: help with algebra
Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2013 10:47 pm
by AEC
icw wrote:Hi can anyone help with a simple problem, as I am not sure I am helping my dd correctly
2dr²p
Should the above be re-written as
2xdxrxrxp
or
2xdx(rxr)xp
or does it not matter?
They all the same and it doesn't really matter when you trying to answer the question, however, final answer should be written as
2dr²p, becasuse this form is more simplified than the other two.
Regards