[Math] Order of precedence, multiplication vs. division

arithmetic

Recently I had this doubt about the order of precedence of mathematical operations multiplication and division. Given that we have a simple question like this

80 / 10 * 5

without parenthesis, what should be the answer?

Should it be 40 considering both multiplication and division has the same precedence and they should be operated in a left-to-right manner in this situation?

Or

Should it be 8/5 given that multiplication has precedence over division?

Best Answer

Think of it as $$ 80 \div 10 \cdot 5 $$ Since $\div$ and $\cdot$ have the same precedence. However, depending on the context is might also mean $\frac{80}{10 \cdot 5}$., but that is almost never the case unless you have brackets around $10 \cdot 5$.

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