Insert signs to satisfy a zero result — Choose the correct ordered signs for the blanks in: 8 * 6 * 96 * 2 = 0

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: x - ÷

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Here, we must create an expression equal to zero by selecting a specific sequence of three operators. Because × and ÷ dominate precedence, structuring the middle subtraction to balance two multiplicative terms is a common path to zero.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Template: 8 * 6 * 96 * 2 = 0.
  • We replace the three asterisks with the ordered symbols from one option.
  • Standard precedence applies.


Concept / Approach:
Try to form A − B where A and B are equal. Choosing 'x - ÷' yields 8 × 6 − 96 ÷ 2, which is promising because 8 × 6 = 48 and 96 ÷ 2 = 48, giving 48 − 48 = 0.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Select 'x - ÷': 8 × 6 − 96 ÷ 2.Compute: 8 × 6 = 48; 96 ÷ 2 = 48.Difference: 48 − 48 = 0.Therefore the equation holds.



Verification / Alternative check:
Check one alternative: 'x ÷ -' ⇒ 8 × 6 ÷ 96 − 2 = 48 ÷ 96 − 2 = 0.5 − 2 ≠ 0.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • '- x ÷': 8 − 6 × 96 ÷ 2 is dominated by the large product term and won’t be zero.
  • '÷ - x': 8 ÷ 6 − 96 × 2 is strongly negative, not zero.
  • 'None of these': unnecessary because a correct option exists.


Common Pitfalls:
Evaluating strictly left-to-right and ignoring precedence; you must compute × and ÷ before the subtraction to see the intended cancellation.



Final Answer:
x - ÷

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