Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: 19
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This is another coded arithmetic expression where letters represent standard operations. The candidate must decode A, B, C and D into plus, multiplication, division and subtraction respectively, then compute the value of the resulting numerical expression. Such expressions test the ability to juggle symbolic and numeric reasoning under exam conditions.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The method is to decode the expression and then apply BODMAS or PEMDAS rules. We first replace each letter with its corresponding operator. After that, we simplify the expression by handling multiplication and division first, working from left to right for operations of the same precedence, and finally resolving addition and subtraction. The goal is a single numeric answer that matches one of the options.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Replace each coded symbol in 9 A 2 B 6 D 4 C 2.
Step 2: A becomes +, B becomes ×, C becomes ÷ and D becomes −.
Step 3: The decoded expression is 9 + 2 × 6 − 4 ÷ 2.
Step 4: Apply multiplication and division first. Compute 2 × 6 = 12 and 4 ÷ 2 = 2.
Step 5: Substitute back to get 9 + 12 − 2.
Step 6: Now perform addition and subtraction from left to right: first 9 + 12 = 21.
Step 7: Subtract 2 from 21: 21 − 2 = 19.
Step 8: Therefore, the correct value of the coded expression is 19.
Verification / Alternative check:
We can quickly recompute the key steps: 2 × 6 is clearly 12, and 4 ÷ 2 is 2. Adding 9 and 12 gives 21, and subtracting 2 yields 19. Since there are no fractions or tricky operations, the result is stable and easy to check a second time.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option 16 could arise if a candidate miscomputed one of the products or quotients. Option 27 and option 30 can appear if one ignores precedence and evaluates strictly from left to right without prioritizing multiplication and division. These values do not follow the correct order of operations or the given mapping of symbols to arithmetic functions, so they are incorrect.
Common Pitfalls:
A common issue is forgetting that multiplication and division must be done before addition and subtraction and treating A, B, C and D as if they were new operations with unknown precedence. In fact, once decoded, they are normal arithmetic operations and follow the usual rules. Another pitfall is copying the expression incorrectly or misreading one of the digits. Writing the decoded expression clearly and then solving stepwise greatly reduces these risks.
Final Answer:
After decoding the symbols and applying arithmetic precedence, the expression 9 A 2 B 6 D 4 C 2 evaluates to 19.
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