Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: 25
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This coded-operations question tests translation of symbols into real operators and careful use of arithmetic precedence. Once each letter is decoded, we must evaluate the expression strictly with × and ÷ before + and −, and with left-to-right tie-breaking inside the same precedence tier.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Translate first; then evaluate with precedence. A common mistake is to execute + or − too early or to ignore that × and ÷ are left-associative (performed from left to right when chained).
Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Decode → 44 × 9 ÷ 12 − 6 × 4 + 16
2) ×/÷ left→right: 44 × 9 = 396
3) 396 ÷ 12 = 33
4) Remaining ×: 6 × 4 = 24
5) Now +/− left→right: 33 − 24 = 9
6) 9 + 16 = 25
Verification / Alternative check:
Parenthesize by precedence: ((44 × 9) ÷ 12) − (6 × 4) + 16 = (396 ÷ 12) − 24 + 16 = 33 − 24 + 16 = 25.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
36, 112, and 124 arise if precedence is ignored (doing +/− before ×/÷) or if × and ÷ are not processed left-to-right, which changes intermediate values and the final result.
Common Pitfalls:
Mixing up the code map (e.g., treating Q as +), performing +/− too soon, or reversing left-to-right order among ×/÷. Each leads to incorrect totals despite correct arithmetic steps elsewhere.
Final Answer:
25
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