The document discusses the order of operations in mathematics. Four people were trying to solve a math problem but got different answers because they were performing the operations in different orders. To resolve this, mathematicians agreed on a standard order of operations: 1) parentheses, 2) exponents, 3) multiplication/division from left to right, and 4) addition/subtraction from left to right. This standard order is sometimes remembered with the mnemonic "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally" where the first letter of each word represents an operation.

1. Order of Operations

2. This whole topic began when four people were sitting at a table trying to figure out the answer to a problem.

3. Fred

4. Wilma

5. Barney

6. Betty

7. 3 - 2 * 5 + 6 / 2 = ?

8. Well Fred said, "It's obvious the answer is 5.5; you just work it from left to right and anyone will get that answer." 3 - 2 * 5 + 6 / 2 = 5.5

9. Then Wilma said, " No Fred you're wrong. It is -1/2 because you must multiply the 2 x 5 first, then work from left to right." 3 - 2 * 5 + 6 / 2 = -1/2

10. Then Barney said, "No the answer is -5 because you must multiply the 2 times the 5, then add the 6, then divide that answer in half, then subtract that from 3." 3 - 2 * 5 + 6 / 2 = -5

11. Finally Betty said, "I don't know, I think the answer is -10, but I can't explain why." 3 - 2 * 5 + 6 / 2 = -10

12. 3 - 2 * 5 + 6 / 2 = ?

13. 3 - 2 * 5 + 6 / 2 = ? 5.5 -1/2 -5 -10

14. What do

15. YOU

16. think?

17. 3 - 2 * 5 + 6 / 2 = ?

27. Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally PARENTHESIS EXPONENTS DIVISION SUBTRACTION MULTIPLICATION or ADDITION or