What is the correct result?

[Maximilian Hohmann]

Hello!

(04-19-2024 11:25 AM)Thomas Klemm Wrote:  

Quote:No surprise then, that the population at large views “algebra” as something different from the discipline that is taught universally in colleges and universities. Those Internet debates result from that division.

I couldn't agree more.

I don't think so. This debate was completely nonexistent before calculators appeared on the market that attempt to take the thinking away from their users. When I - and I consider myself to be a totally average part of the "poulation at large" - went to school and later university, there were no such calculators yet. There was no difference either about what was taught at school and university with respect to mathematical notation. The words "algebra", "calculus", "mathematics" all meant the same then (and still do for me now). At least outside the faculties of mathematics and computer science about which I know nothing.
You had to look at your task and formulate equations for it's solution, or alternatively copy down fitting equations from your textbook. Then you would enter values in your equations and calulate a numerical result, either using pen and paper, a slide rule or a pocket calculator. When you were graded for your work, you would get 90% of the marks for the analytical part and 10% for the correct numerical result. It didn't matter much if you or your calculator got the operator precedence wrong, at least not to an extent that would be the source of a world wide discussion on the internet.

Regards
Max