“Can you cite a rule anywhere that says any calculation that looks like the distributive property of multiplication voids the normal precedence of operations in an algebraic equation?”
The Order of Operations which is 4 rules, NOT 6.
P: Simplify inside parentheses first.
E: Then apply Laws of Exponents
MD: Then multiply OR divide from left to right as it occurs
AS: Then add OR subtract from left to right as it occurs
(Too bad math textbook writers seldom know laws of arithmetic.)
The Distributive Law doesn’t apply for this expression because of the Order of Operations. The Distributive Law would apply if there was a + or - before the 2(9 + 3).
So, 48/2(9 + 3) = 48/2(12) = (48/2)(12) = 24(12) = 288
Don’t tell me. I was asking those who think the answer is 2 to provide a rule showing their thinking is correct.
“So, 48/2(9 + 3) = 48/2(12) = (48/2)(12) = 24(12) = 288”
UHHHH.............
So 48/2(9+3) = 48/2(12) = 48/2 * 48/12 = 96
!t’s just as valid a solution as your’s!
The correct answer to the universe is 2.........