SOLUTION: I am one of the tutors and was given a problem at work...it is as follows 4 x 4 + 4 x 4 + 4 - 4 x 4 = ? I was always taught multiplication and division were higher functions

Question 654527: I am one of the tutors and was given a problem at work...it is as follows
4 x 4 + 4 x 4 + 4 - 4 x 4 = ?
I was always taught multiplication and division were higher functions than addtition and subtraction and should be done first.
so the answer is 20...the local physicist did the problem and said there is no difference and the answer is 320.
Who is correct...and thanks I hope I am not wasting anyone's time with something like this. Since all the tutors have very strong math background or teach math, I hope that this will prove to be the best resource.
Found 2 solutions by schmidtmomto6, jim_thompson5910:
Answer by schmidtmomto6(24) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
4 x 4 + 4 x 4 + 4 - 4 x 4 = ?
You are rigt- multiplying and division take place over addtion and subtraction, but do so from left-right.
I'd write it this way:
(4 x 4) + (4 x 4) + 4 - (4 x 4) = 16+16+4-16= so "20!"
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
4 x 4 + 4 x 4 + 4 - 4 x 4 = 16 + 16 + 4 - 16

4 x 4 + 4 x 4 + 4 - 4 x 4 = 32 + 4 - 16

4 x 4 + 4 x 4 + 4 - 4 x 4 = 36 - 16

4 x 4 + 4 x 4 + 4 - 4 x 4 = 20

So you are correct. If you use grouping symbols (like parenthesis or brackets), then the answer will change.
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