Return to Conversions | Return to Mr. Murray's Home Page | Return to Mr. Murray's Study Helps

Doing the Math:

Make sure you know this:
1) Two numbers next to each means "multiply by".

(12)(4) = 12 x 4 = 48

2) The line means "divided by".

OR 50 ÷ 5 = 10

3) If there are multiple number on the top or bottom, simplify first. (This is where most students make mistakes.)

Most students will do this: 40 ÷ 12 x 25 = 83.3. This is wrong.

If you simplify, like the above, you will probably get the correct answer. Doing your calculations in the calculator seems faster, but it is the easiest way to make mistakes. DON'T DO IT! Simplify - You're in a hurry: go slow!

If I can't convince you and you're going to do it in your calculator, you have the following options:

Way 1 - Use the parenthesis keys: 40 ÷ (12 x 25) = 0.133

Way 2 - Understand the math: 40 ÷ 12 ÷ 25 = 0.133 (Try it if you're a disbeliever.)