In a certain code language, the arithmetic symbols are redefined as follows: "+" represents multiplication, "-" represents addition, "x" represents division and "÷" represents subtraction. Using these coded operators, what is the value of 42 x 7 ÷ 7 + 9 - 62?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: 5

Explanation:


Introduction:
This question again tests our ability to work with redefined arithmetic symbols. Operators +, -, x and ÷ have been assigned new meanings, and we must carefully decode the expression 42 x 7 ÷ 7 + 9 - 62 before computing its value. This is a blend of symbolic translation and standard arithmetic practice.


Given Data / Assumptions:
The coded meanings are:
1) "+" represents multiplication.
2) "-" represents addition.
3) "x" represents division.
4) "÷" represents subtraction.
The coded expression is 42 x 7 ÷ 7 + 9 - 62. After decoding, we apply normal precedence: division and multiplication first, then addition and subtraction from left to right.


Concept / Approach:
We first translate each symbol into its true operation according to the code. Only after this translation do we attempt any calculation. This prevents us from accidentally using the familiar but incorrect meanings of the symbols. Once the expression is rewritten, we evaluate it step by step using standard arithmetic rules.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Replace "x" by division, so 42 x 7 becomes 42 / 7.Step 2: Replace "÷" by subtraction, so "÷ 7" becomes - 7.Step 3: Replace "+" by multiplication, so "+ 9" becomes * 9.Step 4: Replace "-" by addition, so "- 62" becomes + 62.Step 5: The fully decoded expression is 42 / 7 - 7 * 9 + 62.Step 6: Apply precedence rules: first compute division and multiplication from left to right.Step 7: Evaluate 42 / 7 = 6.Step 8: Evaluate 7 * 9 = 63.Step 9: Substitute these values to obtain 6 - 63 + 62.Step 10: Now evaluate from left to right: 6 - 63 = -57.Step 11: Then -57 + 62 = 5.Step 12: Thus, the value of the coded expression is 5.


Verification / Alternative check:
We can state the decoded expression in words as "forty two divided by seven minus seven multiplied by nine plus sixty two". That is clearly 6 minus 63 plus 62, which equals 5. Since operator precedence is standard after decoding, there is no alternate correct evaluation path that yields a different result.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The values 87, 22, 2, and 11 would require misinterpreting at least one operator or changing the order of operations by inserting brackets not present in the expression. For example, treating "-" as subtraction instead of addition or forgetting the multiplication 7 * 9 would give misleading intermediate results and a wrong final answer.


Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes translate only some of the operators and inadvertently mix coded and normal meanings. Others neglect precedence and attempt to compute strictly left to right. To avoid errors, always rewrite the entire expression with standard operators first, then compute according to normal rules.


Final Answer:
With the given coded meanings, the expression evaluates to 5.

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