Facebook Math Challenge - Algebra

[@vijaybabee224]

15

[@vijaybabee224]

I solve this in 30sec

[@Pkey995]

2 Variables side by side are products and not sums Therefor Drink= A Burger= B 2 Fries = CC 1Fry = C A+A+A=30 -----> A=10 A+B+B=20 -----> B=5 B+CC+CC=9 -----> CC=2 --> CC doesnt mean C+C but C*C sooooo C=√2 B+C*A=5+√2*10= 19,14213562

[@BeyondTheTest]

True; however, these are "objects". When we think of two objects side by side, it is inferred that we're talking about TWO of those objects, rather than that object squared. Think of the values as dollar values. Strictly algebraically, you're right, but there's an inferred context in this problem that shouldn't be overlooked.

[@davidmoeller1270]

@@BeyondTheTest However, as soon as you think of them as "objects" then it is no longer an algebraic equation but simply a picture puzzle that uses some mathematical symbols. That is, there is no common mathematical equation which can handle "objects" as part of an equation. Two problems with this...how do you actually know these are "objects" and not symbols used as variables (and thus, uses the common convention of "implicit multiplication by juxtaposition")? There are no instructions which indicate whether one should take the symbols as "objects representing an 'order'" or as variables (and the implied convention that comes with this). In fact, there is very good reason to infer that they are, in fact, variables and not "objects". Note the last equation - a "burger" + "mug" times a "bottle". If these are objects, then it really doesn't make a lot of sense to ask for the answer to a bottle times a mug. But it does make a lot of sense (if a bit out of the norm) to ask what is the answer to "mug" times "bottle" if they are variables. But you might argue that the symbols are more than "objects" alone but represent a implicit concept that is best interpreted by an "order" or "sale" such that the second equation is read as "The cost of one hamburger plus the cost of 2 bottles of beer plus the cost of 2 more bottles of beer." Ok, I won't dispute that interpretation. I merely note that this is assuming a LOT that isn't stated anywhere in the problem. You call this the "common sense" solution, and, I think this is very reasonable approach - it is, after all, how most non-mathematicians will implicitly view the problem. However!! if we are going to take a "common sense" approach then the last equation should be read as "Give me the cost of hamburger plus the cost of mug of beer times the cost of bottle of beer". By common sense, you would do the calculations *in the order they are stated*. PEMDAS is a purely mathematical convention and flies in the face of common sense applications of math. IOW, logically and mathematically, you can't hold that these are objects and normal conventions of math don't apply (there being no conventions for "objects" in mathematical notation) and then turn around and insist that the PEMDAS convention applies. You can't be both common sense and mathematically pedantic at the same time - any grade school students knows these things are mutually exclusive :)

[@MrAnthonyt2010]

@@davidmoeller1270 since everyone has been in quarantine I have seen so many of these and this is the rant my girlfriend hears everytime I see one.

[@davidmoeller1270]

@@MrAnthonyt2010 a simpler way to put it: The pictures are either pictograms or variables, they can't be both. If the former, then PEMDAS is out the window (as well as all other mathematical notation conventions). A solution that insists that they are pictograms and that PEMDAS must apply shows an appalling lack understanding about math.

[@ellabrendairianto5211]

This helps more than school

[@quinbagwell7515]

The main thing to remember is to stay away from the overpriced bottled beer, and stick with the draft beer!

[@rooster4life626]

Its 2020 and we are still stressing about it

[@tannesanimations9608]

70?