In a certain code language, the operators are redefined as follows: "+" represents "×", "-" represents "+", "x" represents "÷" and "÷" represents "-". Using these definitions, what is the value of the expression 60 x 5 + 3 ÷ 24 - 6 ?

Introduction / Context:
This is another operator coding question. Here, the symbols plus, minus, multiplication and division are all given new meanings. You need to evaluate the expression 60 x 5 + 3 ÷ 24 - 6 using these new meanings, not the usual ones. The problem ensures that you can systematically translate each symbol and still follow standard precedence rules when actually doing the calculations.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• "+" represents "×" (multiplication).
• "-" represents "+" (addition).
• "x" represents "÷" (division).
• "÷" represents "-" (subtraction).
• Expression to interpret: 60 x 5 + 3 ÷ 24 - 6.
• Once decoded, ordinary precedence of operations (division and multiplication before addition and subtraction) applies.

Concept / Approach:
The strategy is to rewrite the entire expression in terms of actual operations. After replacing each symbol with its true meaning, you ignore the original coding and evaluate the resulting standard expression. This avoids confusion and ensures that you do not accidentally use mixed meanings. Correctly dealing with precedence is important because division and multiplication segments must be evaluated before using the addition and subtraction represented by other symbols.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Take the coded expression: 60 x 5 + 3 ÷ 24 - 6. Step 2: Replace each operator with the operation it represents. "x" represents "÷", so 60 x 5 becomes 60 ÷ 5. "+" represents "×", so + 3 becomes × 3. "÷" represents "-", so 3 ÷ 24 becomes 3 - 24. "-" represents "+", so - 6 becomes + 6. Step 3: Writing the whole decoded expression, we get 60 ÷ 5 × 3 - 24 + 6. Step 4: Now apply normal precedence, starting with division and multiplication. 60 ÷ 5 = 12. 12 × 3 = 36. Step 5: Substitute back into the expression: 36 - 24 + 6. Step 6: Evaluate from left to right for addition and subtraction. 36 - 24 = 12. 12 + 6 = 18.

Verification / Alternative check:
Rechecking the mapping is a good sanity check: x is division, plus is multiplication, division is subtraction and minus is addition. With that mapping, any alternative decoding that does not give 60 ÷ 5 × 3 - 24 + 6 violates the problem statement. Computing 60 ÷ 5 × 3 as 36 and then combining it with -24 and +6 gives 18 consistently. This result matches one of the options and fits the logic of the coding pattern, so it can be accepted with confidence.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B, 94, is far larger than what the decoded expression can produce and would require incorrect multiplication in place of division. Option C, 9, and option D, 57, typically arise if candidates perform some operations in the wrong order or misapply the code meanings for one of the symbols. Option E, 21, could be produced by adding before doing multiplication. Since none of these values arise from the correctly decoded and properly evaluated expression, they are incorrect.

Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to treat x as the usual multiplication instead of division and to treat ÷ as division instead of subtraction. Another pitfall is to start manipulating the coded expression directly without writing the fully decoded version. This leads to mixed semantics and inconsistent steps. To avoid such issues, translate carefully first, then work step by step with normal arithmetic rules on the translated expression only.

Final Answer:
With the given redefined operators, the value of 60 x 5 + 3 ÷ 24 - 6 is 18.