Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: 93
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question presents an arithmetic expression in a coded form where operators are represented by special symbols. The task is to interpret each symbol correctly and then evaluate the expression using standard arithmetic precedence. These operator coding problems are very common in aptitude exams to test careful reading and correct application of basic arithmetic rules.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The approach is to decode the expression by replacing each symbol with the corresponding arithmetic operator. After that, simplify the expression step by step, ensuring that multiplication and division are handled before addition and subtraction. Only once these priority operations are complete should we perform subtraction and then addition from left to right.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Replace "&" with ÷, "@" with ×, "%" with − and "*" with +.
Step 2: The coded expression 135 & 15 @ 10 % 3 * 6 becomes 135 ÷ 15 × 10 − 3 + 6.
Step 3: Apply division first: 135 ÷ 15 = 9.
Step 4: Now perform the multiplication: 9 × 10 = 90.
Step 5: Substitute back to get 90 − 3 + 6.
Step 6: Evaluate the subtraction first: 90 − 3 = 87.
Step 7: Now add 6: 87 + 6 = 93.
Step 8: Hence, the value of the coded expression is 93.
Verification / Alternative check:
We can recompute quickly to verify. After decoding, the expression is 135 ÷ 15 × 10 − 3 + 6. Computing 135 ÷ 15 gives 9, then 9 × 10 is 90. Subtract 3 to get 87 and then add 6 to reach 93. Because both the detailed and quick calculations agree, the result is reliable.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option 47 and option 89 can result from performing subtraction or addition prematurely or from miscomputing 135 ÷ 15. Option 100 may come from incorrectly using addition instead of subtraction, for example turning 90 − 3 + 6 into 90 + 3 + 6. All these errors show violations of precedence or incorrect handling of the coded symbols. Only 93 corresponds to a correct decoding followed by correct arithmetic.
Common Pitfalls:
A frequent mistake is to apply the phrase "subtracted from" as reversing the order of subtraction or to forget that division and multiplication must be resolved before the other operations. Some candidates also get confused by the presence of multiple special symbols and interpret one of them incorrectly. Writing down the full decoded expression with ordinary operators and then proceeding stepwise avoids such problems.
Final Answer:
After decoding symbols and applying arithmetic precedence, the value of 135 & 15 @ 10 % 3 * 6 is 93.
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