Simplify the equation 53.01 − 345.02 ÷ 22.99 = 2 × (?) using the correct order of operations and find the approximate value of the question mark.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your understanding of the order of operations with decimals and your ability to isolate an unknown appearing inside a simple multiplicative expression. Problems like this are common in quantitative aptitude tests where both arithmetic accuracy and algebraic manipulation are important.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The equation is 53.01 − 345.02 ÷ 22.99 = 2 × (?).
• We must apply division before subtraction according to the order of operations.
• Finally, we solve for the unknown represented by the question mark.

Concept / Approach:
First, compute the value of 345.02 ÷ 22.99 approximately. Then subtract this quotient from 53.01 to obtain the left hand side value. Since the left hand side is equal to 2 times the unknown, we divide the result by 2 to find the unknown. Because the question asks for an approximate value, a reasonable decimal approximation is acceptable and then rounded to the nearest integer option.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Compute the quotient 345.02 ÷ 22.99. This is close to 345 ÷ 23, which is about 15.A more accurate approximation gives a value slightly above 15, around 15.01.Subtract this value from 53.01: 53.01 − 15.01 ≈ 38.0.So the left hand side is approximately 38, giving 38 ≈ 2 × (?).Divide both sides by 2: ? ≈ 38 ÷ 2 = 19.

Verification / Alternative check:
Using a more precise computation, 345.02 ÷ 22.99 is about 15.007. Then 53.01 − 15.007 ≈ 38.003. Dividing by 2 gives approximately 19.0015, which rounds to 19. This confirms that 19 is the closest integer among the options and represents the best approximation for the unknown value.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 14 and 24 are much farther from the precise value of about 19.0.
• 54 is far too large and would require the left hand side to be around 108.
• 25 is also too large and would imply a left hand side near 50, which does not match the result of the calculation.

Common Pitfalls:

• Performing subtraction before division, which breaks the correct order of operations and leads to a completely different result.
• Rounding 345.02 ÷ 22.99 too coarsely, for example to 10, causing large errors.
• Forgetting to divide the resulting left hand side by 2 to solve for the unknown.

Final Answer:
19