In a coded arithmetic expression, "+" means subtraction, "÷" means addition, "<" means multiplication and ">" means division. Using these code rules, what is the value of 9 ÷ 7 < 8 > (4 > 2) + 5?

Introduction / Context:
In this question we work with a coded arithmetic expression. Each symbol does not keep its usual meaning. Instead, every symbol stands for a different basic operation. The task is to translate the coded expression into an ordinary arithmetic expression and then evaluate it correctly using the usual order of operations (BODMAS or PEMDAS).

Given Data / Assumptions:

• "+" means subtraction.
• "÷" means addition.
• "<" means multiplication.
• ">" means division.
• The coded expression is 9 ÷ 7 < 8 > (4 > 2) + 5.
• Normal arithmetic precedence rules apply after decoding.

Concept / Approach:
The key idea is that we must not treat the symbols according to their usual meanings. We first replace every symbol by the operation it represents. After decoding, we get an ordinary numerical expression, which we then evaluate using brackets first, then multiplication and division, and finally addition and subtraction from left to right.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Decode each symbol according to the given code. "÷" means "+", "<" means "*", ">" means "/", and "+" means "-". Step 2: Rewrite the expression 9 ÷ 7 < 8 > (4 > 2) + 5 using real operations. This becomes 9 + 7 * 8 / (4 / 2) - 5. Step 3: Evaluate the bracket first: 4 / 2 = 2. So the expression becomes 9 + 7 * 8 / 2 - 5. Step 4: Now handle multiplication and division from left to right. First 7 * 8 = 56. Step 5: Next 56 / 2 = 28. Step 6: Now perform addition and subtraction from left to right: 9 + 28 = 37. Step 7: Finally 37 - 5 = 32.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can quickly recheck by recomputing the numeric part only: 4 / 2 = 2, 7 * 8 = 56, 56 / 2 = 28, then 9 + 28 - 5 = 37 - 5 = 32. The result is consistent, so the decoded expression has been interpreted correctly and the value 32 is stable.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
18, 16, 24 and 11 arise if a learner either ignores the brackets, changes the precedence of multiplication and division, or misapplies at least one of the symbol mappings (for example taking "÷" as division or "+" as addition). None of those interpretations respect all the given coding rules and the normal operation order, so they do not match the correctly decoded and evaluated expression.

Common Pitfalls:
Students often forget to decode every symbol, especially the signs inside brackets. Another frequent error is to treat the coded symbols with their usual meaning, which completely changes the result. Some candidates also perform addition and subtraction before finishing all multiplications and divisions. Carefully translating the entire expression first and then following strict precedence rules avoids these mistakes.

Final Answer:
Hence, after decoding the operators and evaluating with the correct order of operations, the value of the expression 9 ÷ 7 < 8 > (4 > 2) + 5 is 32.