maths question

[mystery]

What's the answer to 6 div 2(2+1) ?

div = division sign - the type with a short line with a dot above and below it, sorry not got one on this keyboard

[RedPanda]

BIDMAS so...
6 / 2 X (2 + 1) =
6 / 2 X 3 =
3 X 3 =
9

[Surferfish]

I would also say the answer is 9. Based on BODMAS going left to right.
i.e. 6 divided by 2 multiplied by 3.

But then I could understand if others thought the answer was 1.

Does the lack of a multiplication sign between the 2 and the (2+1) mean that the multiplication should be performed before the division or does it make no difference. Does the type of division sign used matter?

Hopefully Guest55 will be along soon to provide the definitive answer.

[bondgirl]

I would say 9 too using BODMAS

[RedPanda]

Does the lack of a multiplication sign between the 2 and the (2+1) mean that the multiplication should be performed before the division or does it make no difference.

There is some debate in maths circles around this. Given, this is the 11+ then I think following BIDMAS (or BODMAS) and counting the implicit multiplication as a explicit multiplication is the best approach. Interested in Guest55's thoughts though.

Does the type of division sign used matter?

Only when a fraction is used which is not the case here. You have to apply BIDMAS to the numerator and the denominator separately before simplifying the fraction.

OP - What was the answer given?

[streathammum]

I'm confused. I thought BIDMAS means that you do the brackets first (the B of BIDMAS). 2 + 1 = 3. The 3 is then multiplied by 2 to get 6, then 6 is divided by 6 to get 1.

But it's been a long time since I was at school...

[kittymum]

I thought 1 also

[Surferfish]

I'm confused. I thought BIDMAS means that you do the brackets first (the B of BIDMAS). 2 + 1 = 3. The 3 is then multiplied by 2 to get 6, then 6 is divided by 6 to get 1.

But it's been a long time since I was at school...

Yes, BIDMAS means that you always do what's INSIDE the brackets first. i.e. (2 +1) = 3.

That gives you: 6 div 2(3).

The debate is about what you do next. The division or multiplication and whether lack of a multiplication sign trumps 'left to right' rule.

(I doubt this would be an 11plus question BTW.)

[pmt]

Question is 6 / 2(2+1) to be written as
6
---------
2(2+1)

and not

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

When you have 2(2+1), this means the expression was 4+2 inside the bracket, and one of the factors 2 is common and taken outside the bracket. When you solve for a bracket, you have to solve 2(2+1) in its entirety and not just the 2+1 which is inside the bracket. Answer should be 1 and not 9

[Qeb2019]

This problem is debated on so many social media sites and in so many country. Admittedly I got into one these debate.