In a certain code language for arithmetic symbols, the following substitutions are made:\n\nThe plus sign (+) stands for multiplication, the minus sign (-) stands for addition, the multiplication sign (x) stands for division and the division sign (÷) stands for subtraction.\n\nUsing this code, evaluate the expression: 24 x 6 - 8 + 2.

Introduction / Context:
This problem again tests your understanding of coded arithmetic, where familiar symbols are reassigned different meanings. You must carefully decode the expression 24 x 6 - 8 + 2 and then evaluate it according to standard arithmetic precedence to find the correct numerical result.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• + represents multiplication.
• - represents addition.
• x represents division.
• ÷ represents subtraction (though it does not appear in this expression).
• Coded expression: 24 x 6 - 8 + 2.
• Normal precedence of division and multiplication over addition and subtraction applies after decoding.

Concept / Approach:
We will rewrite the coded expression by substituting each symbol with its real operation and then carry out the calculations in the correct order. Because the mapping is simple and only three different operations are present, the process is straightforward if we are careful and systematic.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Replace x with ÷, since x stands for division. Step 2: Replace - with +, since - stands for addition. Step 3: Replace + with ×, since + stands for multiplication. Step 4: Thus, 24 x 6 - 8 + 2 becomes 24 ÷ 6 + 8 × 2. Step 5: Evaluate division and multiplication first. Step 6: Compute 24 ÷ 6 = 4. Step 7: Compute 8 × 2 = 16. Step 8: Now perform the addition: 4 + 16 = 20.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can quickly recalculate: 24 ÷ 6 is clearly 4 and 8 × 2 is 16; their sum is 20. No other operation ordering is consistent with the rules, so the value 20 is stable and reliable. This matches option (d) exactly.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Values such as 25, 40 or 50 arise only if the mappings are misapplied, such as treating the symbols according to their appearance instead of the code, or performing addition before multiplication and division. Since the coded meanings are explicit, any such interpretation is incorrect and leads to the wrong options.

Common Pitfalls:
A frequent error is to forget that the minus sign now means addition, and the plus sign now means multiplication, which drastically changes the structure of the expression. Another pitfall is to ignore that division must be carried out before addition. Carefully performing substitutions and observing precedence avoids these mistakes.

Final Answer:
After decoding and simplifying correctly, the coded expression 24 x 6 - 8 + 2 evaluates to 20, so option (d) is correct.