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If, for example, $a=14$, $b=2$ and $c=7$ and I'm working to (say) three decimal places, should I evaluate the term$$a\frac{b}{c},$$

in the order $$a\left(\frac{b}{c}\right)$$

or$$\frac{\left(ab\right)}{c}.$$

Or should I just say that the original term is inherently ambiguous?

Peter4075
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  • If I had to choose, I would use the first interpretation on principle, but in the end it doesn't matter, so I can choose the third order out of convenience: $$ \left(\frac ac\right)b $$ – Arthur Jul 19 '15 at 08:51
  • Well, the two methods give slightly different answers (to three decimal places). – Peter4075 Jul 19 '15 at 08:57
  • I didn't note the "to three decimal places". In that case, the third way (or the second) is definitelty the better way, since the correct answer is $4$. – Arthur Jul 19 '15 at 08:59

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