In the following expression, which sequence of mathematical operators inserted in order will make it correct: 30 ? 6 ? 4 ? 5 ? 4

Introduction / Context:
This arithmetic reasoning question asks you to choose the correct sequence of mathematical operators that will make a given expression true. The expression has several blanks where operators such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and equality can be inserted. You must select the correct order of operators from the options so that, when evaluated using normal precedence rules, the equation holds true.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The expression is 30 ? 6 ? 4 ? 5 ? 4.
• The candidate sequences of operators are four item lists such as “–, =, x and +”.
• Operators must be inserted in the order they appear in the chosen option.
• We use standard precedence rules: multiplication and division before addition and subtraction, and equality is used to relate left and right sides.
• The goal is to obtain a true numerical statement.

Concept / Approach:
The best approach is to test each option one by one. For each option, substitute the operators into the question marks in the order given. The resulting expression will look like a normal equation, and you can then apply BODMAS rules to see whether both sides are equal. Because the numbers involved are small, this checking is quick and reliable. Only one combination should give a correct equation.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Try option a, “–, =, x and +”. Inserting these in order gives 30 – 6 = 4 x 5 + 4.Step 2: Evaluate the right hand side first using BODMAS. Compute 4 x 5 = 20, then 20 + 4 = 24.Step 3: Evaluate the left hand side: 30 – 6 = 24.Step 4: Since both sides equal 24, the equation 30 – 6 = 4 x 5 + 4 is true. Option a works.Step 5: For completeness, briefly check another option such as b, “+, =, x and –”. That would give 30 + 6 = 4 x 5 – 4. Evaluate the right hand side: 4 x 5 = 20, 20 – 4 = 16, but the left hand side 30 + 6 = 36, so this is not a valid equation.Step 6: Similar checks for options c and d also fail to produce equality, confirming that a is the only correct choice.

Verification / Alternative check:
Once we have identified that option a yields 30 – 6 = 4 x 5 + 4, we can double check the arithmetic. Starting with the right side, multiply 4 by 5 to get 20, then add 4 to reach 24. On the left side, subtracting 6 from 30 also yields 24. Because both sides reduce to the same value under correct precedence, the equation is robustly verified as true.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option b gives 30 + 6 = 4 x 5 – 4, which evaluates to 36 = 16, not true. Option c gives 30 = 6 x 4 + 5 – 4, which simplifies to 30 = 24 + 5 – 4 = 25, again false. Option d produces 30 – 6 + 4 = 5 x 4, which leads to 28 = 20, also incorrect. None of these satisfy equality under proper evaluation rules.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to ignore multiplication precedence and evaluate strictly from left to right, which yields wrong results and might cause you to reject a correct option. Another pitfall is to mix up the order in which the operators from an option must be placed into the expression. Always insert them sequentially and then apply BODMAS carefully.

Final Answer:
The expression becomes correct when the operators are “–, =, x and +”, that is, 30 – 6 = 4 x 5 + 4.