Why oh why would a useless and unneeded convention that prioritizes multiplication (the star) over addition (the cross) be implemented? Who could be behind this seemingly recent change?
Recent? Maybe for you.
The rule specifying the order of multiplication and addition is hundreds of years old.
Here is some information: http://mathforum.org/library/drmath/view/52582.html
Date: 11/22/2000 at 10:56:37
From: Brian Huffine
Subject: History of Order of Operations
I was teaching a computer class and the history of order of operations
came up. Where, when and with whom did the order of operations first
originate? ...
Date: 11/22/2000 at 12:12:26
From: Doctor Peterson
Subject: Re: History of Order of Operations
Hi, Brian.
...
I spent some time researching this question, because it is asked
frequently, but I have not found a definitive answer yet. ...
edit:
Oh, there more in the links Doctor Peterson provides:
Date: 02/13/2000 at 13:59:53
From: Jerome Breitenbach
Subject: Order of Arithmetic Operations
Hi,
I'm a professor in the field of electrical engineering. Occasionally I
remind my students of the precedence order regarding the four
arithmetic operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and
division. Apparently though, based upon viewing numerous Web sites and
the messages of various on-line discussion groups, there seems to be
some controversy regarding these simple rules! ...
... my search for an "authority" on this matter has been nearly
fruitless. ...