$(833.25 - 384.45) \div 24 = x$

### Concept & Logic This problem strictly tests the order of operations (BODMAS/PEMDAS) and basic decimal arithmetic. Operations inside parentheses must be executed first, followed by division. ### Step-by-Step Solution * **Given:** $$ (833.25 - 384.45) \div 24 = x $$ * **Calculation:** Solve the subtraction inside the brackets first. $$ 833.25 - 384.45 = 448.80 $$ * Substitute the result back into the equation: $$ 448.80 \div 24 = x $$ * Perform the division. Break it down to simplify: $$ \frac{448.8}{24} = \frac{224.4}{12} = \frac{112.2}{6} = 18.7 $$ ### Exam Strategy & Shortcut Use unit digit and approximation techniques. $833 - 384$ is approximately $450$. $450 \div 24$ is slightly less than $480 \div 24 = 20$. Looking at the options, $1.87$ and $2.01$ are too small, and $20.1$ is too large. The only logical answer remaining is $18.7$. ### Common Pitfall Ignoring the brackets and incorrectly dividing $384.45$ by $24$ first. Always follow BODMAS rules—brackets must be simplified completely before moving on to division. ### Final Answer **Therefore, the correct answer is 18.7.**