document.write( "Question 654527: I am one of the tutors and was given a problem at work...it is as follows\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "4 x 4 + 4 x 4 + 4 - 4 x 4 = ?\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "I was always taught multiplication and division were higher functions than addtition and subtraction and should be done first. \r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "so the answer is 20...the local physicist did the problem and said there is no difference and the answer is 320.\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "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. \n" ); document.write( "

Algebra.Com's Answer #408753 by jim_thompson5910(35256) $\"\"$ $\"About$

You can put this solution on YOUR website!
4 x 4 + 4 x 4 + 4 - 4 x 4 = 16 + 16 + 4 - 16\r
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "4 x 4 + 4 x 4 + 4 - 4 x 4 = 32 + 4 - 16\r
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "4 x 4 + 4 x 4 + 4 - 4 x 4 = 36 - 16\r
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "4 x 4 + 4 x 4 + 4 - 4 x 4 = 20\r
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "So you are correct. If you use grouping symbols (like parenthesis or brackets), then the answer will change. \n" ); document.write( "

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