When solving algebra wtih "solving for x", does it follow BEDMAS (or PEMDAS) in reverse?
Never, or it will change the answer. (also, PEMDAS is mathmaticly untrue.)
For example, using PEMDAS for 2+1/2, you would divide first to get .5, and get 2.5
Without, it could be 2+1= 3, and then 3/2, and those are diffrent answers.
Though there are exeptions.
Like if its 7(3+x)=42, you don't HAVE to use the distributive property first. You could divide boths sides by 7, and then it would be 3+x=6.
+130511 We can't give any hard and fast rules, here.....for example :
20 = 3x + 5
We would subtract the 5 and divide by 3 to find x
However
20 = 3(x + 5)
We would divide by 3 and then subtract 5 to find x
So....it depends upon what you are given as to the order of operations.......
