All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

Which two signs should be interchanged to make the following equation correct?

4 × 5 - 24 ÷ 12 + 8 = 14

The correct answer is

+ and -

The question asks us to find which two mathematical signs, when interchanged in the given equation, make the equation mathematically correct. The original equation is:

\(4 \times 5 - 24 \div 12 + 8 = 14\)

Let's evaluate the original equation using the BODMAS/PEMDAS rule (Brackets, Orders/Exponents, Division/Multiplication from left to right, Addition/Subtraction from left to right).

First, perform the multiplication and division:

\(4 \times 5 = 20\)

\(24 \div 12 = 2\)

Substitute these values back into the equation:

\(20 - 2 + 8\)

Now, perform the subtraction and addition from left to right:

\(20 - 2 = 18\)

\(18 + 8 = 26\)

So, the original equation evaluates to \(26\), which is not equal to \(14\). Therefore, the original equation is incorrect, and we need to interchange signs.

Testing Sign Interchange Options

We will now test each option by interchanging the specified signs and re-evaluating the equation using BODMAS/PEMDAS to see which interchange makes the equation equal to 14.

Option 1: Interchange + and - signs

Swap the '-' sign with the '+' sign in the original equation. The new equation becomes:

\(4 \times 5 + 24 \div 12 - 8\)

Now, evaluate this equation:

  1. First, Multiplication and Division:
  2. \(4 \times 5 = 20\)
  3. \(24 \div 12 = 2\)
  4. Substitute back: \(20 + 2 - 8\)
  5. Now, Addition and Subtraction from left to right:
  6. \(20 + 2 = 22\)
  7. \(22 - 8 = 14\)

The result is \(14\), which matches the right side of the given equation. So, interchanging '+' and '-' signs makes the equation correct.

Option 2: Interchange ÷ and × signs

Swap the '×' sign with the '÷' sign. The new equation becomes:

\(4 \div 5 - 24 \times 12 + 8\)

Evaluate this equation:

  1. First, Division and Multiplication:
  2. \(4 \div 5 = 0.8\)
  3. \(24 \times 12 = 288\)
  4. Substitute back: \(0.8 - 288 + 8\)
  5. Now, Subtraction and Addition:
  6. \(0.8 - 288 = -287.2\)
  7. \(-287.2 + 8 = -279.2\)

The result is \(-279.2\), which is not equal to \(14\).

Option 3: Interchange × and + signs

Swap the '×' sign with the '+' sign. The new equation becomes:

\(4 + 5 - 24 \div 12 \times 8\)

Evaluate this equation:

  1. First, Division and Multiplication:
  2. \(24 \div 12 = 2\)
  3. \(2 \times 8 = 16\)
  4. Substitute back: \(4 + 5 - 16\)
  5. Now, Addition and Subtraction:
  6. \(4 + 5 = 9\)
  7. \(9 - 16 = -7\)

The result is \(-7\), which is not equal to \(14\).

Option 4: Interchange + and ÷ signs

Swap the '+' sign with the '÷' sign. The new equation becomes:

\(4 \times 5 - 24 + 12 \div 8\)

Evaluate this equation:

  1. First, Multiplication and Division:
  2. \(4 \times 5 = 20\)
  3. \(12 \div 8 = 1.5\)
  4. Substitute back: \(20 - 24 + 1.5\)
  5. Now, Subtraction and Addition:
  6. \(20 - 24 = -4\)
  7. \(-4 + 1.5 = -2.5\)

The result is \(-2.5\), which is not equal to \(14\).

Based on the evaluation of all options, interchanging the '+' and '-' signs makes the equation correct.

Revision Table: Evaluating Options for Sign Interchange

Original Equation \(4 \times 5 - 24 \div 12 + 8 = 14\) Evaluates to: \(20 - 2 + 8 = 26\) (Incorrect)
Option 1 (+ and -) \(4 \times 5 + 24 \div 12 - 8\) Evaluates to: \(20 + 2 - 8 = 22 - 8 = 14\) (Correct)
Option 2 (÷ and ×) \(4 \div 5 - 24 \times 12 + 8\) Evaluates to: \(0.8 - 288 + 8 = -279.2\) (Incorrect)
Option 3 (× and +) \(4 + 5 - 24 \div 12 \times 8\) Evaluates to: \(4 + 5 - 16 = 9 - 16 = -7\) (Incorrect)
Option 4 (+ and ÷) \(4 \times 5 - 24 + 12 \div 8\) Evaluates to: \(20 - 24 + 1.5 = -4 + 1.5 = -2.5\) (Incorrect)

Additional Information on BODMAS/PEMDAS

The BODMAS or PEMDAS rule is crucial for evaluating mathematical expressions correctly. It dictates the order in which operations should be performed:

  • B / P: Brackets (Parentheses) - Operations inside brackets are performed first.
  • O / E: Orders (Exponents) - Powers and square roots are evaluated next.
  • D / M: Division and Multiplication - These are performed from left to right as they appear. They have equal priority.
  • A / S: Addition and Subtraction - These are performed from left to right as they appear. They have equal priority.

Understanding and applying this order is essential for solving problems involving multiple operations, like the sign interchange problem we solved.

Was this answer helpful?

Important Questions from Logical Puzzle

  1. Which two numbers should be interchanged to make the given equation correct?

    9 + 7 × 5 – 18 ÷ 2 = 3 × 4 – 10 + 45 ÷ 5
  2. Select the correct combination of mathematical signs that can sequentially replace the * signs and balance the equation.

    60 * 2 * 3 * 6 * 5 * 43

  3. Which of the following interchange of numbers and mathematical signs would make the given equation correct?

    30 ÷ 6 × 4 + 15 - 35 = 25

  4. Which two signs need to be interchanged to make the following equation correct?

    23 + 84 ÷ 14 × 8 − 3 = 5

  5. Select the correct combination of mathematical signs that can sequentially replace the * signs and make the equation correct.

    68 * 138* 23 * 54 * 20

Need Expert Advice?

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App