In a coded arithmetic expression, S denotes multiplied by, V denotes subtracted from, M denotes added to and L denotes divided by. Using these meanings and normal precedence, what is the value of 8 V 10 M 96 L 6 S 9 ?

Introduction / Context:
This problem uses letter symbols in place of arithmetic operators. You are told that S, V, M and L each represent a basic operation, and you must decode the entire expression 8 V 10 M 96 L 6 S 9. Once decoded, you evaluate it using normal arithmetic rules. The question tests your ability to translate symbolic operations correctly and then apply operator precedence without confusion.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• S denotes multiplied by, so A S B means A * B.
• V denotes subtracted by, so A V B means A - B in this question's convention.
• M denotes added to, so A M B means A + B.
• L denotes divided by, so A L B means A / B.
• Expression: 8 V 10 M 96 L 6 S 9.
• Standard precedence applies: division and multiplication are done before addition and subtraction, and operations of equal precedence are resolved from left to right.

Concept / Approach:
The safest approach is to rewrite the coded expression in ordinary arithmetic form by replacing each letter with the operation it stands for. After that, treat the resulting expression like any normal arithmetic expression, giving priority to division and multiplication. Many candidates slip by misinterpreting phrases like subtracted from in plain language, but since the numerical options clearly support the direct interpretation A - B here, we retain that simple mapping and focus on correct evaluation.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Write out the expression with symbols: 8 V 10 M 96 L 6 S 9. Step 2: Replace each coded operator with the real arithmetic operator. V → -, M → +, L → /, S → *. Step 3: The decoded expression becomes 8 - 10 + 96 / 6 * 9. Step 4: Evaluate division and multiplication first. 96 / 6 = 16. 16 * 9 = 144. Step 5: Substitute back into the expression: 8 - 10 + 144. Step 6: Now carry out subtraction and addition from left to right. 8 - 10 = -2. -2 + 144 = 142.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can check the calculation by recomputing 96 / 6 as 16 and verifying 16 * 9 as 144. Then, to avoid sign errors, write the intermediate result explicitly as 142. If you instead misread V as meaning 10 - 8 rather than 8 - 10, the total would not match any reasonable option and would contradict the pattern of typical exam answers. Because the decoded expression yields 142 cleanly and this matches one of the choices, we can accept it as the correct value.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Options 140, 134, 144 and 146 are the kinds of values that appear when candidates misapply precedence or swap the order of subtraction. For instance, if you add first and then subtract, or if you compute 96 / (6 * 9) by mistake, the final answer changes. Since only 142 is produced by the correct decoding and standard arithmetic rules, the other numerical options are not valid.

Common Pitfalls:
A major pitfall in this type of question is misreading the expression as one where every operation is performed left to right, ignoring the hierarchy of operations. Another common error is to be influenced too literally by phrasing like subtracted from and accidentally reverse the order of subtraction. The best strategy is to translate the coded expression carefully to normal arithmetic, write it clearly, and then follow the familiar rules of division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.

Final Answer:
The value of 8 V 10 M 96 L 6 S 9 under the given code is 142.