How do you simplify #28 ÷ 4 • 3#?

2 Answers
Apr 20, 2017

21

Explanation:

In BIDMAS, Division comes first so you divide first and then multiply.

#28/4# = 7

#7*3# = 21

Apr 20, 2017

#(28 xx3)/4= 21#

Explanation:

Multiplication and division have the same priority, so it should make no difference which is done first.

However there is still an element of ambiguity because the #div# sign could indicate division of everything following.

This is a good example of the importance of showing exactly what is meant.

#28 div 4 xx 3 # would be written as #(28 xx3)/4= 21#

#28 div (4xx3)# would be written as #28/(4xx3) = 7/3 = 2 1/3#

My leaning would be towards the first one.