If 'A' means +, 'B' means -, 'C' means x and 'D' means /, then what will come in place of question mark (?) in the following equation? 24 A 8 B 13 D 26 C 4 = ?

1. A

   16

2. B

   15

3. C

   19

4. D

   30

Appeared in: DSSSB October 2024

Explanation

• The problem requires substituting letters with mathematical operators: A becomes +, B becomes -, C becomes ×, and D becomes ÷.
• The resulting expression is 24 + 8 - 13 ÷ 26 × 4.
• Following the BODMAS rule, division is performed first (13 ÷ 26 = 0.5), then multiplication (0.5 × 4 = 2).
• Finally, addition (24 + 8 = 32) and subtraction (32 - 2 = 30) are performed, yielding the final answer of 30.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option A: The value 16 is incorrect. This result might be obtained by not following the correct order of operations (BODMAS) or through a simple calculation error.
• Option B: The value 15 is incorrect. This is a result of miscalculation and not adhering to the BODMAS rule.
• Option C: The value 19 is incorrect. This might be calculated by performing operations from left to right without respecting the BODMAS hierarchy (e.g., 24 + 8 - 13 = 19, then continuing).

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Mathematical reasoning with operator substitution as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
• While not a clinical question, this type of logical reasoning and attention to detail is a critical skill for nurses.
• Nurses must perform calculations for drug dosages, IV drip rates, and other measurements where accuracy is vital for patient safety. A simple error in the order of operations could lead to a medication error.
• What if? If a nurse were calculating a pediatric dose based on a formula like (Dose × Weight) / Concentration, they must perform the multiplication in the numerator before the division. Failing to follow this order would result in an incorrect, and potentially harmful, dose.

How to Approach the Question

• First, carefully read the instructions to understand which symbol each letter represents.
• Rewrite the entire equation, substituting each letter with its corresponding mathematical operator (+, -, ×, ÷).
• Recall the BODMAS/PEMDAS rule for the correct order of operations: Brackets, Orders, Division/Multiplication (left to right), Addition/Subtraction (left to right).
• Systematically solve the new equation by performing one operation at a time, following the BODMAS sequence.
• Perform the division first, then the multiplication.
• Finally, perform the addition and subtraction to find the final answer and match it with the given options.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Mathematical reasoning with operator substitution
• Stem keywords: A means +, B means -, C means x, D means /
• Lead-in keywords: what will come in place of question mark

Question ID

QX47dOjPCTeZAtmGo-1HxZ

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