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10.4: Be aware of a Calculator widget bug
Sorry, but you're wrong. I just pulled out both my TI-35X and TI-85 (can't believe the batteries still work after ten years) and both give 7, which is the correct answer.
10.4: Be aware of a Calculator widget bug
I don't know, but I think the problem is that two different methods of inputing the numbers are being talked about. In other words, if you input "1 + 2" and hit enter (or equals) you get "3". Then if you hit '*3' you get "9". But if you input "1 + 2 * 3" all on the same line and then hit enter you get "7", because it follows the standard order of operations. I think this is where the misunderstanding is coming from on the Ti calculators. I'm not sure about the Mac, since I don't have one in front of me right now.
10.4: Be aware of a Calculator widget bug
You keep saying this, and you don't seem to realize that it's irrelevant.
Order of operations
"Mathematics is not open to debate or your personal preference. Order of operations is correct, left to right is wrong. Period."
Order of operations
No, order of operations was not determined arbitrarily. It has to do with getting accurate answers. Since multiplication is repeated addition, it MUST be done before simple addition or you will get an incorrect answer and your bridge will collapse, your engine explode, etc.
10.4: Be aware of a Calculator widget bug
What everyone is ignoring here is that operations entered into the calculator app (both the stand-alone app and Dashboard widget versions) are not entered "left-to-right". They are entered "first-to-last", separated chronologically, not spatially. When you write out a problem on a piece of paper like this:
you are able to view the entire problem at once and determine the correct order of operations. On the other hand, what if I walked up to you and said "Quick, what's one plus three?" and then after you'd answered "4", I continued with "...times two?" How would you know if I meant 1 + 3 * 2 or (1 + 3) * 2? In that situation, you'd most likely assume the latter, and so does a calculator that shows only one value at a time. The reason graphing calculators get it right isn't because they are more expensive. It's because you enter the entire formula, which is shown on the screen as you enter it, before you hit "equals".
10.4: Be aware of a Calculator widget bug
All discussion aside. if this is a math rule OR even if it is a convention then in both instances 'every' calculator should follow this, wether convention or math rule. Because less educated people (or young children) might learn it wrong or actually think that 1+2x3=9. Imagine tax-institutions using this kind of calculus to get your tax cut (would you rather pay $7.- or $9.-) :-)) |
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