This phrase "5 5 divided by 1 2" is a mathematical expression, and it's important to understand how to interpret it correctly to arrive at the correct answer.
Understanding the Order of Operations
In mathematics, we follow the order of operations to solve equations. A common acronym to remember this order is PEMDAS (or BODMAS):
- Parentheses ( Brackets)
- Exponents ( Orders)
- Multiplication and Division (from left to right)
- Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)
Interpreting the Expression
The phrase "5 5 divided by 1 2" can be interpreted in a couple of ways, each leading to a different answer:
1. As a Series of Operations:
One interpretation is to see it as a series of operations:
- 5 5 (5 times 5)
- divided by 1
- 2
Following the order of operations:
- 5 times 5 = 25
- 25 divided by 1 = 25
- 25 times 2 = 50
In this case, the answer would be 50.
2. As a Combined Expression:
Another interpretation is to see it as a single combined expression:
- 55 divided by 12
In this case, we would simply perform the division:
- 55 divided by 12 = 4.58333333 (approximately)
Key Takeaway
The ambiguity in the phrasing "5 5 divided by 1 2" highlights the importance of using clear and precise mathematical notation. It's crucial to avoid confusion by expressing the intended mathematical operation clearly.
Conclusion
The answer to "5 5 divided by 1 2" depends on how you interpret the expression. For a clear and unambiguous solution, it's best to use parentheses or other mathematical symbols to indicate the intended order of operations.
