If ‘+’ means ‘×’, ‘×’ means ‘–’, ‘–’ means ‘÷’ and ‘÷’ means ‘+’, which of the following equations is correct?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → 6 + 4 × 12 – 3 ÷ 5 = 25
In each option write the real sign for every given sign (+ as ×, × as –, – as ÷, ÷ as +), then work out the left side by BODMAS.
Option (4) becomes 6 × 4 – 12 ÷ 3 + 5
\(6\times4=24\)
\(12\div3=4\)
\(24-4+5=25\), which equals the right side
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (1) 8 + 3 – 6 × 2 ÷ 7 = 11 — Incorrect. It becomes 8 × 3 ÷ 6 – 2 + 7 \(=\) 9, not 11.
Option (2) 20 – 4 ÷ 3 + 2 × 1 = 12 — Incorrect. It becomes 20 ÷ 4 + 3 × 2 – 1 \(=\) 10, not 12.
Option (3) 9 ÷ 7 + 2 – 14 × 3 = 15 — Incorrect. It becomes 9 + 7 × 2 ÷ 14 – 3 \(=\) 7, not 15.