In the image, two iPhones display different results for what appears to be similar mathematical expressions. One phone calculates “130 + 100 × 5” as 630, while the other calculates “100 + 130 × 5” as 750. At first glance, this discrepancy might seem like a bug or a malfunction, but in reality, it is a matter of the order of operations, also known as BODMAS (Brackets, Orders, Division/Multiplication, Addition/Subtraction).
The key to understanding the difference lies in how each calculator interprets the input. In standard mathematical rules, multiplication has a higher precedence than addition. Therefore, “130 + 100 × 5” should be computed as “130 + (100 × 5)”, which results in 130 + 500 = 630. Similarly, “100 + 130 × 5” should be computed as “100 + (130 × 5)”, resulting in 100 + 650 = 750. However, some calculator applications may process inputs sequentially, meaning they evaluate expressions as they are entered, without considering standard mathematical precedence.
The discrepancy in the image suggests that one calculator follows proper BODMAS rules, while the other might be processing calculations linearly, computing the sum first before multiplying. This is common in some basic or non-scientific calculators where the operations are evaluated in the order they are entered instead of following mathematical hierarchy.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not claim to provide an exhaustive analysis of all calculator behaviors. The differences in results may vary based on device settings, software versions, or calculator applications. Users are advised to check their calculator’s functionality or use a scientific calculator for complex calculations requiring strict adherence to mathematical rules.