How do you do advanced calculations

[lchien52]

involving three numbers and parenthesis.

I say "ten minus five divided by 2"
I really want (10 - 5) / 2  which should be 2.5
But Alexa gives me 7.5 which is  10 - (5/2); she prioritized the mult/division over add/subtract
The good news it handles three numbers.

How do I organize the order of operations without resorting to two commands. It doesn't understand parenthesis/close parenthesis

[DParker]

The short answer is, "you don't".  This is a case of using the wrong tool for tbe job.  Alexa's math skill is geared toward solving problems for you when you need a quick answer to a simple equation.  When you start getting so involved that you need explicit grouping of terms it's time to use a calculator.

[kevb]

Mult/div is always prioritized over add/subtract. I'm impressed Alexa solved it that way.

[lchien52]

Mult/div is always prioritized over add/subtract. I'm impressed Alexa solved it that way.

If not explicitly specified.   Unless you want it some other way. Which I did.
I didn't even ask for transcendental functions...

[jdeacon]

If Alexa got context that would solve so much. You could say 'calculate 10 minus 5' and then say 'divide that by 2'.

[scottrods]

Alexa Applies the rules... PEMDAS.... look up that term if it makes no sense from this post... pretty cool if you ask me... but I can see where setting up your own equations might be desired without going completely scientific... But Alas... It's a very new device and is truly learning daily to be better... This bit may take some time for it to add context to it or "the ability to have conversations"...

[ronhollenbeck]

My Alexa will solve your math problem but it takes 2 steps
Problem (10-5)/2 = 2.5
Step 1 "Alexa what is 10-5" she replies "...5"
Step 2 "Alexa divide that by 2" she replies ...2.5

[asbaker47]

involving three numbers and parenthesis.

I say "ten minus five divided by 2"
I really want (10 - 5) / 2  which should be 2.5
But Alexa gives me 7.5 which is  10 - (5/2); she prioritized the mult/division over add/subtract
The good news it handles three numbers.

How do I organize the order of operations without resorting to two commands. It doesn't understand parenthesis/close parenthesis

Say "open parentheses" and "close parentheses" where you wrote it above if you do not want to follow order of operations.