Question

When using the formula NI = [U * (P-VCu)] - FC, in which order must you complete the calculation? Why does the order of operations matter?

Answer 1

Solution:

In mathematics, we use the PEMDAS rule to determine the order of operations.

P - Parentheses

E - Exponents

M - Multiplication

D - Division

A - Addition

S - Subtraction

Following the above rule, the order in which the given formula will be calculated is as follows:

NI = [U * (P-VCu)] - FC

1) V multiplied by Cu

2) VCu subtracted from P

3) (P - VCu) multiplied by U

4) F multiplied by C

5) FC subtracted from [U * (P-VCu)]

The order of operations matter as we may end up getting an incorrect answer if the correct order of operations is not followed. For example, the value of NI would be completely different if in the above equation, V is subtracted from P first and then, multiplied by Cu.