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Question

If + means ÷ , – means + , x means – and ÷ means x, then what will come in place of ?in the given equation?

6 ÷ 4 × 10 + 2 – 3 = ?

This question was previously asked in
SSC Stenographer 2022 Previous Year Paper (17-Nov-2022) (Shift 2)
The correct answer is

22

Solving Operator Substitution Math Puzzles

This type of question requires us to substitute the given mathematical operators with new ones and then evaluate the expression according to the standard order of operations, commonly known as BODMAS or PEMDAS.

Understanding the Operator Substitution Rules

The question provides the following rules for changing the operators:

  • The symbol '+' means '÷'.
  • The symbol '–' means '+'.
  • The symbol 'x' means '–'.
  • The symbol '÷' means 'x'.

Applying Substitution to the Equation

The given equation is: 6 ÷ 4 × 10 + 2 – 3 = ?

Let's apply the substitution rules step-by-step to rewrite the equation:

  • Replace '÷' with 'x': The first part 6 ÷ 4 becomes 6 × 4.
  • Replace '×' with '–': The next part 4 × 10 (after substituting the ÷) becomes 4 – 10.
  • Replace '+' with '÷': The part 10 + 2 becomes 10 ÷ 2.
  • Replace '–' with '+': The part 2 – 3 becomes 2 + 3.

So, the equation after substitution becomes:

\(6 \times 4 - 10 \div 2 + 3 = ?\)

Evaluating the Substituted Expression using BODMAS

Now we need to solve the new expression using the BODMAS (Brackets, Orders, Division/Multiplication, Addition/Subtraction) rule.

The BODMAS rule dictates the order of performing operations:

  1. Brackets
  2. Orders (powers, roots)
  3. Division and Multiplication (from left to right)
  4. Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)

Our expression is: \(6 \times 4 - 10 \div 2 + 3\)

Step-by-step Calculation:

  1. Division: Perform the division first.

    \(10 \div 2 = 5\)

    The expression is now: \(6 \times 4 - 5 + 3\)

  2. Multiplication: Perform the multiplication next.

    \(6 \times 4 = 24\)

    The expression is now: \(24 - 5 + 3\)

  3. Addition and Subtraction: Perform addition and subtraction from left to right.

    \(24 - 5 = 19\)

    The expression is now: \(19 + 3\)

    \(19 + 3 = 22\)

The final value of the expression is 22.

Summary of Steps

Original Expression Substitution Rule Substituted Expression
\(6 \div 4 \times 10 + 2 - 3\) \(+ \to \div\) , \(-\to +\) , \( \times \to - \) , \( \div \to \times\) \(6 \times 4 - 10 \div 2 + 3\)

Substituted Expression BODMAS Step Calculation Resulting Expression
\(6 \times 4 - 10 \div 2 + 3\) Division \(10 \div 2 = 5\) \(6 \times 4 - 5 + 3\)
\(6 \times 4 - 5 + 3\) Multiplication \(6 \times 4 = 24\) \(24 - 5 + 3\)
\(24 - 5 + 3\) Subtraction \(24 - 5 = 19\) \(19 + 3\)
\(19 + 3\) Addition \(19 + 3 = 22\) \(22\)

The value that comes in place of the '?' is 22.

Revision Table: Key Concepts for Operator Problems

Concept Description Importance in Solving
Operator Substitution Replacing standard mathematical symbols (+, -, ×, ÷) with different ones based on given rules. First step to translate the problem into a solvable mathematical expression.
Order of Operations (BODMAS/PEMDAS) Standard rule governing the sequence of calculations (Brackets, Orders, Division/Multiplication, Addition/Subtraction). Crucial for correctly evaluating the substituted expression to arrive at the unique correct answer.
Accuracy in Calculation Performing basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) without errors. Essential to get the correct final result after applying substitution and BODMAS.

Additional Information: Types of Operator Questions

Operator-based reasoning questions can appear in various forms in competitive exams. Beyond simple substitution and evaluation, they might involve:

  • Finding the correct set of operators to satisfy a given equation.
  • Determining the correct sequence of numbers to satisfy an equation with given operators.
  • Questions where symbols represent relationships or conditions instead of mathematical operations.
  • Problems combining operator substitution with other logical reasoning patterns.

Mastering the basic substitution and BODMAS application is fundamental to tackling more complex variations of these operator problems.

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Similar Questions

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  2. Which two symbols from amongst the given options should be interchanged to make the given equation correct?

    (35 – 2) × 3 = (56 × 8 ÷ 3 + 100) × 11

  3. If A denotes ‘+’, B denotes ‘×’, C denotes ‘−’, and D denotes ‘÷’, then what will come in place of ‘?’ in the following equation?

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  5. Which two numbers from amongst the given options should be interchanged to make the given equation correct?

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  6. In the given question, the statement is followed by two conclusions. Which of the two conclusions is/are true?

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Important Questions from Logical Puzzle

  1. Seven persons P, Q, R, S, T, U and V like different watches namely W1, W2, W3, W4, W5, W6 and W7 (not necessarily in the same order). P and R do not like odd numbered watch. T likes W5. U does not like W2 or W3 or W6 or W7. P likes prime numbered watch. Q likes W4. S likes W2 or W7. Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct ?

    I. S likes W7.

    II. R likes W2.

    III. U likes W1.

    IV. V likes W3.

  2. If ‘+’ means ‘×’, ‘×’ means ‘÷’, ‘÷’ means ‘–’ and ‘–’ means ‘+’, then

    16 + 18 × 3 ÷ 6 = ?

  3. In a certain code language, ‘Today is last match’ is written as ‘Sa Te Mo Pt’, ‘Last king like your team’ is written as ‘De Ra Mo Lo Zs’, ‘Our team won today match’ is written as ‘Te Ra Pt Ae We’. What is the code for ‘Our won is Last’ in that code language?

  4. In a certain code language, ‘LETTER’ is written as ‘ZLZYIO’. What is the code for ‘ACTION’ in that code language?

  5. If A denotes ‘+’, B denotes ‘×’, C denotes ‘-’, and D denotes ‘÷’, then what will come in place of ‘?’ in the following equation?

    34 A 15 B 3 C 11 B 2 A (51 D 17) = ?

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