Operator placement to balance equality — Replace each asterisk with the correct mathematical sign so that the equation is true. 16 * 6 * 4 * 24

Introduction / Context:
These 'mathematical operations' questions ask you to replace placeholders with the correct arithmetic signs so that the expression forms a valid equality. The expression has three gaps (between four numbers), so we must choose a triple of signs such that, when evaluated with standard precedence (× and ÷ before + and −), both sides of the equality are consistent.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target string: 16 * 6 * 4 * 24
• Each * must be replaced by one of {+, −, ×, ÷, =} according to the offered combinations.
• Conventional operator precedence applies: × and ÷ before + and −; equality '=' separates the left and right sides once it appears.

Concept / Approach:
Interpret each option as the ordered triple of symbols to be inserted between (16, 6, 4, 24). For example, 'x ÷ =' means 16 × 6 ÷ 4 = 24. Evaluate the arithmetic strictly by precedence and check if the resulting statement is true.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Try option 'x ÷ =': 16 × 6 ÷ 4 = 24.Compute left side: 16 × 6 = 96; 96 ÷ 4 = 24.Therefore 24 = 24, which is true.Check a counterexample to confirm uniqueness: 'x = ÷' would read 16 × 6 = 4 ÷ 24 ⇒ 96 = 1/6, false.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can also verify by moving all terms to one side and confirming it equals zero, but directly checking equality with precedence is faster here.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• '÷ = x': 16 ÷ 6 = 4 × 24 ⇒ 2.666… = 96, false.
• 'x = ÷': 16 × 6 = 4 ÷ 24 ⇒ 96 = 0.0416…, false.
• '= ÷ ÷': 16 = 6 ÷ 4 ÷ 24 ⇒ 16 = 1/16, false.
• 'None of these': unnecessary because a valid option exists.

Common Pitfalls:
Ignoring operator precedence (e.g., computing from left to right only) or misplacing the equality sign in your mental parsing. Always read the option strictly as the three ordered replacements.

Final Answer:
x ÷ =