[Moltke]

Multiplication is commutative. 5 x 3 = 3 x 5. The people coming up with those rules are idiots and should not be let anywhere near a school or children.

[TXnMA]

Had this discussion with a retired 45-year math teacher yesterday. She acknowledged the commutative nature of multiplication, but admitted that when read as a "Math Sentence", it should be read strictly from left to right.

I took strong exception to the libcoreholers' taking what was clearly and historically a commutative equation and insisting that it NOW is a "Math Sentence":

In that case, the “newbies” should develop their own nomenclature / syntax / symbology for indicating “math sentence” vs "commutative equation”-- and not bastardize/pollute/confuse by treating the latter as if it NOW MUST BE the former — although the latter has been standardized for centuries!.

Their laziness and bastardization attempt is no less offensive to me than their commandeering /stealing the word meaning, “bright, colorful and happy” as their euphemism for “filthy, perverted queer”.

Same, da*ned, arrogant, liberal bull$#1+!!!

..and, that's how I'll still feel next year!