How do you simplify #28 ÷ 4 • 3#?

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Answer 1 · 2017-04-20T12:18:47

21

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

#28/4# = 7

#7*3# = 21

Answer 2 · 2017-04-20T14:49:49

#(28 xx3)/4= 21#

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.