Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

This is nice to see, and it looks like this release (and maybe some earlier ones?) includes a small order of operations bug fix that hadn't been released for a long time. 1/2(-9.8) now equals -4.9 rather than -0.05102040816326530612. I like how the expression also renders with a multiplication symbol to clarify: 1 / 2 × (−9.8)
 help



This is such an ambiguous formula. It reminds me of those order-of-operations social media engagement baits.

> 1/2(-9.8) now equals -4.9 rather than -0.05102040816326530612

That should really be an error.


Order of operations is clear. Division and multiplication have the same order and are evaluated left to right.

-4.9 is unequivocally correct.


Yes, thank you, I passed elementary school. Mathematical correctness is not the sole criterion that matters in this world.

Especially for a deterministic tool like this. Do what I say, not what I mean. I want no helpful cleverness that resulted in this bug in the first place.



Consider applying for YC's Winter 2027 batch! Applications are open till November 2.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: