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Learning the proper way to calculate an equation is part of learning math. Seems that many people slept through Junior High Math, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Triginometry and Calculus. Jainen, all calculations are by default base 10. Also part of the math classes. Why do people continue to question the proper solving of the equation, even with the input of a Math teacher? Just because you do not know the rules does not give you the right to ignore or change the rules. These things are a sign of why foreign students are kicking our students' ass when it comes to knowing these kind of things. Calculators & adding machines do not establish mathametical equations solving rules.

I kept my Dad's and uncle's slide rules, but have never learned how to use them. My dad tried to teach me a couple of times, but it never stuck. I came along at the advent of the calculator. When I was in elementary school, Dad (an algebra teacher for many years) bought an early Sears 4 function calculator. I was allowed to use it to check my math answers - but not to calculate them in the first place. In junior high, I used the printed log tables and by high school my calculator had a "log" button. And, yes, the answer is 20. Parentheses were not "assumed." They are based on following My Dear Aunt Sal order of operations (M = multiplication, D = Division / A = Addition / S = Subtraction).

Yes, I remember that class well. At 12 years of age Rita was the youngest person to ever teach at my middle school. And thanks to her excellent teaching skills, I made it into high school just after my 21st birthday. BTW, I can still use a slide rule. Best way in the world to visualize a log table.

The correct answer is 20. I was an algebra teacher for eight years. Unless there are grouping symbols, you perform multiplication and division, from left to right, before addition and subtraction. Do one operation per step. JohnH showed all the steps. He was one of my best students back in the day. Wait til you see him on the slide rule. http://www.math.com/...s/S2U1L2GL.html

MAS, how come you have so much information about lap dancers? I think you are stress free while you gather this information.

For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies. 1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans. 2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans. 3. The Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans. 4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans. 5. The Germans drink a lot of beers and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans. CONCLUSION Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you.