27:3(11-8)=9

Short answer: the expression 27:3(11-8) is ambiguous because ":" can mean division and juxtaposition means multiplication. Compute (11-8) = 3, so the expression becomes one of the following depending on grouping: - If read as 27 ÷ 3 × (11-8): 27 ÷ 3 × 3 = 9 × 3 = 27 - If read as 27 ÷ [3 × (11-8)]: 27 ÷ [3 × 3] = 27 ÷ 9 = 3 - If read as (27 ÷ 3) × (11-8): (27 ÷ 3) × 3 = 9 × 3 = 27 So the result could be 3 or 27, not 9. The value 9 would come from an inconsistent or incomplete step. Advice: rewrite unambiguously, e.g. - 27 ÷ [3 × (11-8)] = 3 - (27 ÷ 3) × (11-8) = 27 - or 27 ÷ 3 × (11-8) if your convention is left-to-right, which gives 27 Would you like me to check this with a specific convention (your course or calculator) or rewrite it clearly?