Who decided it?

[Nimos]

This is a bit of a weird question

But as most people know, when you do the math there are certain rules. But who decided that?

A quick example is:

1 + 2 * 2 = 5

But if we don't respect the rules of math it would be:

1 + 2 * 2 = 6

and obviously, if we wanted to get 6 while respecting the rules, we would use ( ):

(1 + 2) * 2 = 6

A quick google on this says this:

- Because multiplication is more powerful than addition. We always do what is more powerful first. Any other ideas to add to that? - It's repeated addition so we can break down to an easier way to understand.

But is there any specific reason for it being or ending up like that and who decided that this is how it should be? Because one could imagine that the first people doing/inventing math could have disagreed on what should be done first, we are humans after all

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

This may prove interesting.

 

[esmith]

Why does Red light mean Stop and Green Light mean Go?

 

[MikeF]

This may prove interesting.

It was indeed, and fit with my presumption that, as with any convention, it comes down to those earliest users who note potential conflict and set a standard, either as an individual or through some sort of consensus of those most affected or involved.