
226 ◾ Computational Thinking for the Modern Problem Solver
e order in which the operators are calculated can be explained by
visualizing how the various operators are interrelated. Consider, for exam-
ple, the number 2 in Figure8.4. is number might be understood as the
second operand of the addition operator or it might instead be understood
as the rst operand of the multiplication operator. It cannot be both since
this would essentially break the formula into two independent pieces: 1+2
and 2*3.
In a logical sense, therefore, there are only two possible interpretations,
or results, for this formula. e rst interpretation is to ta