>>>>>>

>>>>>>-24/4(-2)
>>>>>>

>>>>>>Is it:
>>>>>>

>>>>>>-6(-2) = 12
>>>>>>

>>>>>>Or is it:
>>>>>>

>>>>>>-24/-8 = 3
>>>>>>

>>>>>
>>>>>See Agnes' reply :o)
>>>>
>>>>This is what gets me. I've gotten different answer from technical people who are good at math. How am I supposed to help an 11-year old understand the rules? After reading all the replies, I still don't know if the answer is 12 or 3.
>>>
>>>It's 12. I am surprised everyone didn't know this.
>>
>>You wrong. left-to-right rule correct for just computer programming languages. There is should be an extra paranthesis.
>
>I've checked with many and most have agreed with our girls math book, her math teacher, and someone I know who is an actuary; they have all said that the answer is 12.

Unquestionably. The rules apply. Left to right for operations with equal precedence.