[RBranha]

“In the original problem [ 48/2*(9+3) ]
That is not the problem; it is 48/2(9+3)”

It *is* the same problem.

48/2(9+3) = 48/2*(9+3)

[SeaHawkFan]

Here is the applicable portion from the web site I posted earlier:

Distributive Property
The distributive property is actually a very simply concept to learn and apply. It will allow you to simplify something like 3(6x + 4), where you have a number being multiplied by a set of parenthesis. Let’s start with a simple problem:

6(4 + 2)

Based on the order of operations, you know that anything inside parenthesis should be done first. Adding 4 + 2 is simple enough, resulting in this:

6(6)

When you see a number next to parenthesis like this, it means multiplication, so what we really have here is this (remember that * means multiplication):

6 * 6 = 36

If you can’t figure this out, you are hopelessly confused.

If 6(6)=36 then 2(12) must equal 24.

[Forty-Niner]

“48/2(9+3) = 48/2*(9+3)

It is the same”

Therein lies the source of this threads misunderstanding.

The two terms are not equal. But (incorrectly) rewritting the first term into the second is the only way you can get to 288.

[Bikkuri]

“In the original problem [ 48/2*(9+3) ] That is not the problem; it is 48/2(9+3)” It *is* the same problem. 48/2(9+3) = 48/2*(9+3)

THANK you! I thought I had tried to explain the same thing to "2" peeps.. Your explanation is much better than mine ... I give up trying to point it out.


Starting to wonder if programming screwed with the way I view math :p

Bikk