Operator substitution: “+” means division, “x” means addition, “−” means multiplication, and “÷” means subtraction. Which equation becomes correct under these rules?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: 46 - 6 + 4 x 5 ÷ 3 = 71

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Here each printed sign represents a different arithmetic operation. We must translate consistently, then compute both sides to identify the true statement.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • “+” → division, “x” → addition, “−” → multiplication, “÷” → subtraction.
  • Use standard precedence: multiplication/division first, then addition/subtraction.


Concept / Approach:
Translate each option into real operations, simplify the left-hand side (LHS), and compare to the right-hand side (RHS).


Step-by-Step Solution:
(B) 46 − 6 + 4 x 5 ÷ 3 → 46 * 6 ÷ 4 + 5 − 3 after mapping? No—translate carefully: “−” → ×, “+” → ÷, “x” → +, “÷” → −. LHS(B): 46 × 6 ÷ 4 + 5 − 3 = (276 ÷ 4) + 5 − 3 = 69 + 5 − 3 = 71, which matches RHS 71. Check (A), (C), (D): their translated LHS values do not equal the stated RHS constants.


Verification / Alternative check:
Re-run the translation and arithmetic to confirm only (B) balances to 71.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
After translation their LHS evaluate to different numbers than the RHS, so the equalities fail.


Common Pitfalls:
Mistranslating one of the symbols or applying left-to-right evaluation instead of operator precedence.


Final Answer:
46 - 6 + 4 x 5 ÷ 3 = 71

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