"If A denotes 'addition', B denotes 'multiplication', C denotes 'subtraction', and D denotes 'division', then what will be the value of the following equation?

24 C 36 D 9 A 18 B (75 D 15) C 30 = ?"

1. A

   80

2. B

   82

3. C

   84

4. D

   70

Appeared in: NVS Staff Nurse - 2022

Explanation

• The core task is to substitute given letters with their assigned mathematical operations.
• The equation becomes: 24 - 36 ÷ 9 + 18 × (75 ÷ 15) - 30.
• The BODMAS rule (Brackets, Orders, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction) must be followed to solve the equation correctly.
• First, solve the bracket: (75 ÷ 15) = 5.
• Next, perform division and multiplication: 36 ÷ 9 = 4, and 18 × 5 = 90.
• Finally, perform addition and subtraction from left to right: 24 - 4 + 90 - 30 = 20 + 90 - 30 = 110 - 30 = 80.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option B: This result is incorrect. It may arise from an arithmetic error or not following the BODMAS order strictly. For instance, making a simple calculation mistake in the final steps could lead to an incorrect answer like 82.
• Option C: This is an incorrect value. Errors such as performing addition before subtraction or other deviations from the BODMAS rule can lead to incorrect results like 84.
• Option D: This value is incorrect. It could be obtained by incorrectly grouping the numbers, for example, (24-4) + (90-30) = 20 + 60 = 80. However, another grouping like 24 - (4+90) - 30 would give a different wrong answer. A simple miscalculation like 110 - 30 = 70 instead of 80 would also lead to this incorrect option.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Mathematical Reasoning and BODMAS Rule as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
• While not a clinical question, this type of logical reasoning and calculation skill is fundamental in nursing.
• Nurses must perform accurate calculations for drug dosages, IV drip rates, and fluid balances, where a simple mistake can have serious patient safety consequences.
• Attention to detail and following a strict order of operations (similar to following a clinical protocol) are essential skills tested by such questions.

How to Approach the Question

• First, carefully read the question to understand the mapping: A for '+', B for '×', C for '-', and D for '÷'.
• Rewrite the entire equation by substituting the letters with their corresponding mathematical symbols.
• Identify the different operations in the new equation: brackets, division, multiplication, addition, and subtraction.
• Recall and apply the BODMAS rule to determine the correct sequence of operations.
• Solve the equation step-by-step, starting with the expression inside the brackets.
• Proceed with division and multiplication operations from left to right.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Mathematical Reasoning and BODMAS Rule
• Stem keywords: mathematical equation, denotes, addition, multiplication, subtraction, division
• Lead-in keywords: what will be the value

Question ID

QxZLVo_fqkOWV04QkYQU_6

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