AIIMS Nagpur NO - 2018
Reasoning
Medium

If L stands for +, M stands for -, N stands for x , P stands for ÷ ", then 6 N 8 L 21 P 3 M 4=?

Appeared in: AIIMS Nagpur NO - 2018

Explanation

  • The core task is to replace the letters in the expression with their assigned mathematical operators.
  • The expression 6 N 8 L 21 P 3 M 4 translates to 6 x 8 + 21 ÷ 3 - 4.
  • The BODMAS rule (Brackets, Of, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction) must be applied to solve the expression in the correct order.
  • Following BODMAS: first division (21 ÷ 3 = 7), then multiplication (6 x 8 = 48), then addition (48 + 7 = 55), and finally subtraction (55 - 4 = 51).
  • The final calculated value is 51.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

  • Option A: The value -54 is incorrect. It is difficult to obtain this result through a standard misapplication of the BODMAS rule and likely involves multiple calculation or substitution errors.
  • Option B: The value 55 is the result of an incomplete calculation. It is obtained by performing the addition step (48 + 7 = 55) but forgetting to perform the final subtraction step (- 4).
  • Option D: The value -51 is the negative of the correct answer. This result would stem from a sign error during the final calculation, which is not supported by the given operators.

Related Visual

Visual explanation — Related Visual
  • Visual 1: Flowchart - A flowchart illustrating the BODMAS/PEMDAS order of operations (Brackets -> Orders -> Division/Multiplication -> Addition/Subtraction) to visually guide the calculation steps.
Clinical Relevance
  • Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Mathematical Reasoning: Operator Substitution and BODMAS Rule as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
  • While not a clinical question, this type of logical reasoning is a foundational skill for nurses.
  • Nurses must accurately follow multi-step protocols and perform calculations for drug dosages, IV drip rates, and patient assessments, where a strict order of operations is critical for patient safety.
  • What if? - If the BODMAS rule was ignored and the calculation was done strictly from left to right (6x8=48, 48+21=69, 69/3=23, 23-4=19), the result would be completely different, highlighting the importance of following the correct mathematical hierarchy.
How to Approach the Question
  • First, carefully read the question to understand the mapping between each letter and its corresponding mathematical symbol.
  • Create a clear key for yourself (e.g., L = +, M = -, N = x, P = ÷).
  • Substitute these symbols into the given alphanumeric expression to form a standard mathematical equation.
  • Recall and apply the BODMAS (or PEMDAS) rule for the correct order of operations: Division and Multiplication (from left to right), followed by Addition and Subtraction (from left to right).
  • Perform the calculation step-by-step to avoid errors.
  • Compare your final result with the given options to find the correct answer.
Concept Tested & Keywords
  • Concept Tested: Mathematical Reasoning: Operator Substitution and BODMAS Rule
  • Stem keywords: mathematical reasoning, operator substitution, BODMAS
  • Lead-in keywords: =?
  • Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

QNeFst29q092viCCmOGz-6

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