If the symbols S, V, M and L represent operations such that S means multiplied by, V means subtracted from, M means added to and L means divided by, then what is the value of 343 L 7 S 6 V 94 M 11?

Introduction / Context:
This question involves decoding a symbolic arithmetic expression where letters stand for standard operations. Instead of using the usual signs for multiplication, subtraction, addition, and division, the expression uses S, V, M, and L. After translating each symbol to the correct operation, we must evaluate the expression according to normal precedence rules. This is a typical test of careful reading and systematic calculation in coding and decoding topics.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• S denotes multiplied by.
• V denotes subtracted from.
• M denotes added to.
• L denotes divided by.
• The expression to evaluate is 343 L 7 S 6 V 94 M 11.
• Standard arithmetic rules apply after decoding: division and multiplication first, then addition and subtraction from left to right.

Concept / Approach:
We translate each coded symbol into its corresponding arithmetic operation. L becomes division, S becomes multiplication, V becomes subtraction, and M becomes addition. After this translation, the expression must be handled like a normal arithmetic string: 343 divided by 7, then multiplied by 6, then subtract 94, and finally add 11. The key is to respect operator precedence so that division and multiplication are evaluated before addition and subtraction.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Replace each symbol with its operation. L becomes division, S becomes multiplication, V becomes subtraction, and M becomes addition.Step 2: The coded expression 343 L 7 S 6 V 94 M 11 translates to 343 ÷ 7 × 6 − 94 + 11.Step 3: Evaluate the division first: 343 ÷ 7 = 49.Step 4: Then evaluate the multiplication: 49 × 6 = 294.Step 5: Now the expression is 294 − 94 + 11.Step 6: Perform the subtraction: 294 − 94 = 200.Step 7: Finally, add 11 to get 200 + 11 = 211.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, we can recompute quickly: 343 divided by 7 is 49; 49 times 6 is 294; subtracting 94 yields 200; adding 11 produces 211. No other interpretation of the symbols is allowed, because the meanings of S, V, M, and L are clearly given. Since every step follows standard precedence and straightforward arithmetic, the final result of 211 is confirmed.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The option 189 could arise if someone incorrectly subtracts before multiplying or miscalculates 343 divided by 7. The value 200 corresponds to stopping after the subtraction 294 minus 94 and forgetting to add the final 11. The option 305 is far from the correct value and may come from using addition instead of subtraction at one step. The distractor 215 similarly reflects a minor arithmetic mistake or a different misordering of operations. Only 211 respects the correct translation and evaluation of the given coded expression.

Common Pitfalls:
Common errors include ignoring the operator precedence and calculating strictly from left to right, which can significantly change the result. Another frequent mistake is misreading the phrases subtracted from or added to, which sometimes reverse the perceived order of numbers. Taking care to replace each symbol correctly and then following the standard sequence of operations helps avoid these traps and produces a reliable answer.

Final Answer:
After decoding the symbols and evaluating the expression correctly, the value of 343 L 7 S 6 V 94 M 11 is 211.