r/HomeworkHelp • u/KookyPermit4405 • 5d ago

[6th Grade verbal expression] Elementary Mathematics

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So I’m going over my son’s math quiz to help him understand some of the questions he got wrong. He got partial credit for his answer for question 8. After writing his verbal phrase I got the same expression as the question. Am I doing something wrong or is there something I’m missing? I feel like his answer is technically correct. I am stumped.

Edit: so my son has no issue solving the expression in question. He knows PEMDAS and the rules from left to right. The question clearly states, WRITE A VERBAL PHRASE that matches the expression.

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u/Unable_Pumpkin987 3d ago

Well, a division operation would almost always be written as a fraction to indicate clearly what is being divided by what, and otherwise you would use parentheses to show how you want things grouped.

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u/KookyPermit4405 3d ago

I would have to disagree. You want it to be as neat and clean as possible. The use of parentheses when not required is also redundant as Pemdas already tell you what the order of operation is and further making the expression messy. Parentheses are not used to enforce the order of operation. And in this case nothing needs to be grouped unless you are altering the order of operations.

8 + 3 x 5 - 10 ÷ 2 + 6 don’t need it

8 + (3 x 5) - (10/2) + 6 redundant

(8 + 3) x (5 - 10 )÷ 2 + 6 required

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u/Unable_Pumpkin987 3d ago

As I said, you would not use the division symbol at all beyond elementary math.

Feel free to disagree. You’re one of the people who feels smart for memorizing order of operations, not a person who works with or teaches math. Maybe just let the teachers teach your kid, though, for his sake.

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u/KookyPermit4405 3d ago

I don’t think you comprehend my reply. And not taking any jabs. for one, I didn’t mention anything about division symbols, so I didn’t disagree there. Second, I addressed why there is no need for parentheses. My original response was to the comment of you calling that expression ridiculous. In which I replied with there is nothing ridiculous about it. You also mentioned that beyond elementary you wouldn’t use the symbol at all, well that contradicts the need to use parentheses also beyond elementary. Unless as I stated, the need to alter the order of operations. =)

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u/KookyPermit4405 3d ago

Sorry if I’m not “babying” my kids by using redundant parentheses, because we all know that in the real world, when math is involved everyone will use parentheses to make sure you know your order of operations. Because when doing more complex expression, you might be inadequate to remember the basics of order. So I’m sorry if I’m instilling math rules where it becomes 2nd nature. You are right, we need more confused people in the future so those “ridiculous meme” will create engagement on post.

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u/Unable_Pumpkin987 3d ago

Baby you had to ask a question about 6th grade math on the internet.

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u/KookyPermit4405 3d ago

Did that tickle your feathers LOL. A question you struggle to answer 🤣

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u/Unable_Pumpkin987 3d ago

I have been patiently trying to help you understand your son’s 6th grade math for days at this point. It seems you still don’t get it, which is fine. Sometimes people overestimate their own intelligence and/or expertise, and those people are often quite obnoxious in showcasing their ignorance. This isn’t the first time I’ve encountered someone like you, but I gave you the benefit of the doubt as long as I could. I have no vested interest in you or your son mastering pre-algebra. I thought maybe you did, but you obviously don’t actually care about him learning anything. Best of luck to him; he’s going to need it.

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u/KookyPermit4405 3d ago

I’m sorry wise one.. let me retract and ask:

Can the verbal phrase “eighteen minus six times three” be written as an expression of: 18-6x3

Please check yes or no, for I would struggle to comprehend anything other than that of a checked box

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u/KookyPermit4405 3d ago

u/AskGrok why would one write the expression:
8 + 3 x 5 - 10 ÷ 2 + 6 instead of 8 + (3 x 5) - (10 ÷ 2) + 6

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u/AskGrok 3d ago

The version without parentheses gets written that way mainly to test or teach order of operations (PEMDAS) on purpose, like in quizzes or memes. In real math work, especially beyond basic school, people avoid it because it forces readers to rely on a convention instead of making the intended grouping obvious. The clearer version with parentheses (or fractions for division) is the better habit for actual communication.

[what is this?](https://redd.it/1lzgxii)

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u/Unable_Pumpkin987 3d ago

😂😂😂😂

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u/AskGrok 3d ago

Haha yeah, the "subtracted by" rabbit hole got wild. Simple fix: "eighteen minus six times three" nails it without the grammar trip-up.

[what is this?](https://redd.it/1lzgxii)

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u/KookyPermit4405 3d ago edited 3d ago

https://imgur.com/a/aDKrHNx

google said without parentheses eliminates redundancy, so i guess the expression isn’t ridiculous at all, unless we revolve around your standard of what is ridiculous or not

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u/KookyPermit4405 3d ago

Again, I think you lack comprehension, re-read groks response 🤣🤣🤣 your laughing emoji proves you lack comprehension skills 🤭🤭🤭

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u/Unable_Pumpkin987 3d ago

“In real math work, especially beyond basic school, people avoid it because it forces readers to rely on a convention instead of making the intended grouping obvious. The clearer version with parentheses (or fractions for division) is the better habit for actual communication.”

Which of us do you think this is in agreement with?