“If 2(9 + 3) is not the same as 2 * (9 + 3), then what is the difference? Please cite a source.
I get “9 plus 3 equals 12 times 2 equals 24” for both.
What is this magical new arithmetic operation, if it is not multiplication?”
Standing alone you are correct, but in the context of the subject formula it leads to a gross miscalculation.
As stated the originaly stated the formula does not include the * sign, by adding it the solution leads one to miscalculate the answer as 288.
What is the operation when there is no explicit multiplication sign used? What is it called? Where does it fit in on the order of operations and why isn't it mentioned anywhere?
“As stated the originaly stated the formula does not include the * sign, by adding it the solution leads one to miscalculate the answer as 288.”
The * is not included but is implied. Whether or not the * is included, the multiplication operation is done the same way in both cases.
2*(9+3) = 2(9+3)
48/2(9+3) = 48/2*(9+3)