For instance if I have a fraction of 1/2 and I put the n outside of the line in the fraction, doesn't that mean that I am NOT saying 1/2n, but rather 1/2 n?
2007-06-09 15:33:30 · 7 answers · asked by The Stock Market+NBA King 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
That is right.
I interpret 1/2n to be (1/2)n which could also be written as n/2
This is because of the Order of Operations.
If you want n in the denominator, then you need to use parentheses.
1/(2n)
2007-06-09 15:38:01 · answer #1 · answered by MsMath 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are correct. However to be completely clear put either
(1/2)n or 1/(2n) depending on what you mean.
As a practical matter, missing parentheses on Yahoo Answers are rampant. When we answer we try to figure out what the person meant. But if they weren't clear they run the risk of someone answering a different question than the one they were trying to ask.
2007-06-11 02:38:54 · answer #2 · answered by Northstar 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are right. It is (1/2)*n and not (1/2n). It's the same as multiplying the numerator with the variable before effecting division by the denominator.
2007-06-09 22:38:41 · answer #3 · answered by panther 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is correct. I usually put parentheses around the fraction to avoid any confusion: (1/2)n.
2007-06-09 22:38:25 · answer #4 · answered by gm 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I belive your right. You would be taking 1/2 of n.
2007-06-09 22:38:57 · answer #5 · answered by CLR 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes if you have the problem of (1)/(2) n it is not in the denominator it is in the numerator.
2007-06-09 22:39:46 · answer #6 · answered by creede_horse_lover 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's ambiguous or not clear. to make it clear do
(1/2) n
2007-06-09 22:36:51 · answer #7 · answered by Matt D 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋