Missing factor using rule of three?

Hello,

I try to calculate a distance in meter, given the rad values. I use the follwing formula, which is really easy.

0.004 x (m)

--------- = ----------

2*pi y (rad)

If I want to know which x(m) corresponds to 4*pi the formula becomes

(0.004*4*pi)/(2*pi)=2*0.004=0.008

This is a result I would expect, but putting the same formula into matlab or any calculator results in

(0.004*4*pi)/2*pi
ans=
      0.078956

Next to a missing magnitude it is not 100% correct as well. I think one reason is limited digits of pi, but why is a magnitude missing?

I am sorry for such a trivia question, but maybe someone could give me a hint. I propably think in a wrong direction.

Answer 1

[the cyclist]

Try

(0.004*4*pi)/(2*pi)

The reason your syntax does not work is that it will divide by 2, and then multiply by pi.

See order of operations for details on how expressions are evaluated.

[Pawl]

Thank you so much, I really struggeld for some days.