# order of operation

• November 29th 2006, 12:02 PM
breanna007
order of operation
I need help with a math problem
the problem goes like this
4x6-24/4
operation of exponets
when i do this this is what I do
4x6-24/4
24-24/4=0
• November 29th 2006, 12:06 PM
AfterShock
Quote:

Originally Posted by breanna007
I need help with a math problem
the problem goes like this
4x6-24/4
operation of exponets
when i do this this is what I do
4x6-24/4
24-24/4=0

4 x 6 - 24/4

4 x 6 = 24; 24/4 = 6

Thus, 24 - 6 = 18

Recall "PEMDAS" Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction

"Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally" as the mnemonic device.
• November 29th 2006, 12:11 PM
earboth
Quote:

Originally Posted by breanna007
I need help with a math problem
the problem goes like this
4x6-24/4
operation of exponets
when i do this this is what I do
4x6-24/4
24-24/4=0

Hello,

there is a small but nevertheless important difference between:

$\frac{4\cdot 6-24}{4}=\frac{24-24}{4}=\frac{0}{4}=0$

or

$4\cdot 6-\frac{24}{4}=24-6=18$

Now you have the choice!

EB