6÷2(1+2) = ? Correct Answer Explained By Mathematician

What is 6÷2(1 2) = ? This problem went viral and generated millions of comments on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and social media sites. I explain how to get the correct answer by using the modern interpretation of the order of operations. I also explain how you would get a different answer under historical usage of the division symbol. (Note: some people write 6/2(1 2) = but this has the same answer.) I studied Mathematics and Economics at Stanford. Press coverage of my work: *I get many, many emails about this problem and am unable to reply to them. Blog (text explanation): Slate explains the history of the division symbol Here is a 1917 article from “The American Mathematical Monthly“ that explains the usage of the division symbol as an exception to the order of operations Google evaluation #q=6÷2(1 2) WolframAlpha evaluation Subscribe: Send me suggestions by email (address in video). I consider all ideas though can’t always reply! Why are there comments before the video is published? Get early access and support the channel on Patreon If you buy from the links below I may receive a commission for sales. This has no effect on the price for you. Show your support! Get a mug, a t-shirt, and more at Teespring, the official site for Mind Your Decisions merchandise: My Books Mind Your Decisions: Five Book Compilation A collection of 5 books: “The Joy of Game Theory“ rated 4.1/5 stars on 44 reviews “The Irrationality Illusion: How To Make Smart Decisions And Overcome Bias“ rated 3.5/5 stars on 4 reviews “40 Paradoxes in Logic, Probability, and Game Theory“ rated 4.4/5 stars on 13 reviews “The Best Mental Math Tricks“ rated 4.7/5 stars on 8 reviews “Multiply Numbers By Drawing Lines“ rated 4.3/5 stars on 6 reviews Mind Your Puzzles: Collection Of Volumes 1 To 3 A collection of 3 books: “Math Puzzles Volume 1“ rated 4.4/5 stars on 13 reviews “Math Puzzles Volume 2“ rated 4.5/5 stars on 6 reviews “Math Puzzles Volume 3“ rated 4.1/5 stars on 7 reviews Connect with me My Blog: Twitter: Newsletter (sent only for big news, like a new book release): 2017 Shorty Awards Nominee. Mind Your Decisions was nominated in the STEM category (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) along with eventual winner Bill Nye; finalists Adam Savage, Dr. Sandra Lee, Simone Giertz, Tim Peake, Unbox Therapy; and other nominees Elon Musk, Gizmoslip, Hope Jahren, Life Noggin, and Nerdwriter.