1 Divided by 6 Times 100: Understanding the Order of Operations
In mathematics, the order of operations is essential to follow when performing calculations. One common mistake people make is not following the correct order, which can lead to incorrect answers. Let's explore an example of this: 1 divided by 6 times 100.
The Problem:
The problem is written as:
1 ÷ 6 × 100
At first glance, it may seem simple, but there's a catch. The order of operations matters, and we need to follow the correct sequence to get the correct answer.
The Order of Operations:
The order of operations, also known as PEMDAS, stands for:
- Parentheses: Evaluate any expressions inside parentheses first.
- Exponents: Evaluate any exponential expressions next (e.g., 2^3).
- Multiplication and Division: Evaluate multiplication and division operations from left to right.
- Addition and Subtraction: Finally, evaluate any addition and subtraction operations from left to right.
Applying the Order of Operations:
Let's apply the order of operations to our problem:
- There are no parentheses or exponents, so we move to the next step.
- Evaluate the division operation: 1 ÷ 6 = 0.17 (approximately)
- Multiply 0.17 by 100: 0.17 × 100 = 17
The Answer:
The correct answer is 17. If we didn't follow the order of operations, we might have arrived at a different answer, which would be incorrect.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the correct answer to 1 divided by 6 times 100 is 17. This example illustrates the importance of following the order of operations when performing mathematical calculations. Remember to always follow PEMDAS to ensure accurate results.
