order of operations [Solved!]

X

As the kids always say - this is probably a stupid question - but how can we assume the following order of operation:

15 divide by 3b  assuming it means 15 divide by the product  (3b).

15÷3b=5/b

Is it simply a matter of convention?

Does it make a difference if written as  15÷3×b ?

Relevant page

<a href="https://www.mathsisfun.com/operation-order-bodmas.html">Order of Operations - BODMAS</a>

What I've done so far

15/3b=5/b
but it can also mean 15/3*b

X

Hi Rika

I often come across this when programming, where I know what I want (in this case, `15/(3b)=5/b`), but if I write 15/3b, the computer will give me `15/3xxb=5b`.

In coding, as in mathematics, multiplications and divisions are performed left to right <b>as you come to them</b>.

We have to write it with brackets to make it clear we want to divide by all of `3b`:

15/(3b)

Regards

X

Thanks a lot, Murray. I agree, looking from coding side.
Regards
Rika