6 3 4 divided by 2

Guri Bee

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21-10-2024

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The Misunderstood Math Problem: "6 3 4 Divided By 2"

This seemingly simple math problem, "6 3 4 divided by 2," has sparked countless debates and discussions across the internet, often with vastly different answers. This is because the problem is intentionally ambiguous, leaving room for different interpretations of order of operations.

To clear the air, let's delve into the various ways to interpret the problem and arrive at the correct answers based on each interpretation.

Interpretation 1: "634" Divided by 2

This is the most straightforward interpretation. The problem is treated as a simple division of the number 634 by 2:

634 ÷ 2 = 317

This interpretation is supported by many, as it follows a logical order of operations.

Interpretation 2: "6" divided by "2" and then "3" and then "4"

Here, the problem is interpreted as a series of divisions, where each digit is divided by 2 individually:

6 ÷ 2 = 3 3 ÷ 2 = 1.5 4 ÷ 2 = 2

This interpretation, while less common, is a valid one. The answer in this case would be 3, 1.5, and 2, representing the result of each individual division.

Why the Confusion?

The ambiguity arises due to the lack of clear parentheses or other symbols indicating the order of operations. Without these, we have to rely on our interpretation of the given text. This is a common issue that can occur in mathematical expressions without proper formatting.

The Takeaway

The best way to avoid ambiguity in mathematical expressions is to use parentheses or other symbols to clearly indicate the order of operations. This will ensure everyone understands the problem and arrives at the same answer.

In the case of "6 3 4 divided by 2," the most common and logical answer is 317, based on the assumption that the problem is a simple division of the number 634 by 2. However, it is important to recognize that other interpretations are possible, especially when presented in such an ambiguous format.

Note: This article draws on information from various online discussions and questions on platforms like Github. The example was not found in a specific Github issue but is commonly discussed online.