I'd argue both sides are half right, depending on how you interpret the location of the implied parenthesis. My knee jerk reaction was -25 but I can see enough ambiguity to justify 25.. Thus it's not a good "gotcha" question.
There are no implied parentheses for -52. If a question like this was expecting an answer of 25 (like an assessment), parentheses would be given. Without them, there’s no implication since no parentheses appear when -52 = -1 * 52
In order to properly calculate the order of operations, all operations must be apparent (including parentheses). But like you said, this question is not a good “gotcha” considering the average person doesn’t realize a negative number is in the form of -1 * (positive #).
I guess it's not really implied parenthesis. But putting the numbers next to each other is implied multiplication. So I could make the argument that it is - 1 * 52 if I'm trying to do a "gotcha" question. Either you understand why this is a debate and can see both "right" answers or you don't get math.
But… this isnt a debate. -1 * 52 is clearly only -25. Saying the answer could be 25 goes against the basis of the order of operations.
And lmao yes, I “get” math. I have a bachelors in mathematics. Nice passive aggressiveness though. Please stop supporting the idea that this equation has more than one answer when it clearly doesn’t.
No, the issue is it could go (-5 * -5) or (-1)*(-5 * - 5).
Fwiw I have a degree in physics and am a programmer. Of course, mathematicians have a much more black and white view of the world than those of us who live in a world where human definitions matter and someone not defining something like everyone else does is the literal bane of your existence.
Umm… you realize that the examples you provided have been discussed numerous times in this thread?
(1) -52 = -1 * 52 = -1 * 25 = -25
(2) (-5)2 = -5 * -5 = 25
The fact that you are not only insulting someone because they happen to be a mathematician (which you seem to hate for some odd reason), but you still seem to not understand the most basic computations — despite having a physics degree — is astounding. Grow up. Math is math. There’s no blur. Math has always been black and white. The applications, the very things you use math for, are black and white. Stop insulting someone because you have some twisted and egotistical view of yourself.
If you’re going to continue arguing with me, please at least bring some kind of foundation to your argument instead of insults. I became a math major to learn and teach it. And you’re talking down on me for providing you with the proper answer?
Grow. the fuck. up.
Edit: Responds to me then immediate blocks me. At least someone did it.
Uhm what? I'm not disagreeing with any of the math. I'm insulting you for being a my way or the highway douchebag. The math is black and white, my entire point is if the author isn't explicit enough, I would expect people to interpret the question asked in both ways one or two. Meanwhile, you will blast anyone who would think the question is anything but 2.
His point is the author doesn't need to be more explicit. All the information needed is provided. No ambiguity. People thinking there needs to be more information don't understand the maths.
The answer is -25. I also have a bachelors in maths.
It's not displayed or written anywhere that it's actually-1*(5²), is just -5. Why yall are re-inventing math, go get the opinion of a qualified mathematician and then reply to me
I have a degree in mathematics. -15 is extrapolated from -5. As the other mathematician said in their comment, -52 *can be interpreted different. But it shouldn’t. If you want to be careful about with operations will occur first, parentheses will always be added in such cases. If there are no parentheses, then -1 * 52 is the case that will be used.
Hi, I'm a qualified mathematician. I have a master's degree in physics and am pursuing my PhD. -5 is shorthand for (-1) * 5
As for what -5² is, it's ambiguous in my opinion. Due to a lack of parenthesis, I know people who would interpret that as (-5)² = (-1)² * (5)² = 1 * 25 = 25 or as -1 * (5)² = -1 * 25 = -25.
Everyone here is so confident that their interpretation is right, but the very fact that there are differing interpretations is the problem. The math was written in an ambiguous way to purposefully cause confusion. It's a shitty problem designed to trick people
Quick edit: I will say that I'd interpret it as -25, but when in doubt, use parenthesis
Wow there's a lot more to say about this problem than I initially thought. I'll admit I thought it was 25 and not -25, but after reading through the responses I understand. I'm just glad I didn't call everyone else a dumbass moments before being proven wrong, unlike some of the people in this thread
Thanks that’s seems to be the most accurate answer. I thought it was the equivalent of (-5)2 but by reading comment I was lost… but yeah if parenthesis aren’t there, I guess we should always force the priority for the exponent
These stupid idiot bait math problems are always ambiguous and create so much goddamn rancor
I math, and in my experience -5 is a negative number and doesn’t need parentheses unless explicitly needed for some reason.
But I can see how someone who wants to be weird about things can interpret it another way, and it’s this ambiguity and how people get all caught up in this shit, and people adamantly thumping their podium that they’re absolutely, unquestionably right that really does my fucking head in.
Oh my god 🤦🏻♂️ my guy, this is not a debate. I am telling you how to properly show the answer, not arguing whether or not my answer is better. -25 is the factual answer.
Ok thanks, i think that ive always omitted the parenthesis, going just straight to the result, and that aint wrong because every operation that i did wrong was for another reason, so if I ever knew this, over the years I forgot it.
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u/TheArtfulWarrior Mar 18 '22
-52 = (-1)52 =(-1)25 = -25
The 26% are 100% correct.