Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: 36 + 6 - 3 x 2 = 20
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This multiple-choice item asks you to evaluate four candidate statements after remapping each printed operator to a different arithmetic meaning. Your goal is to identify which option becomes a correct numerical relation (equality or inequality) under the new meanings.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Translate each option’s expression using the mapping, compute with precedence, and check the stated relation.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Option B (candidate): 36 + 6 - 3 x 2 = 20.Remap: “+” → “÷”, “−” → “×”, “×” → “+”.Thus, 36 ÷ 6 × 3 + 2 = 20.Compute: 36 ÷ 6 = 6; 6 × 3 = 18; 18 + 2 = 20 ⇒ equality holds ✅Check one more for contrast: Option A → 36 ÷ 6 + 3 ÷ 2 = 20 ⇒ 6 + 1.5 = 7.5 ≠ 20.Options C and D also evaluate to values not satisfying their inequalities under the mapping (both LHS become large due to “×”→“+” and “+”→“÷” interplay).
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
They produce numerical LHS values that do not satisfy the stated equality/inequality once remapped and evaluated with precedence.
Common Pitfalls:
Final Answer:
36 + 6 - 3 x 2 = 20 (Option B) becomes true under the given remap.
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