If '+' means 'divided by','-' means' added to', 'multiply' means 'substracted from' and 'div.' means 'multiplied by', then what is the value of 24 divide 12 - 18 + 9?

1. A

   290

2. B

   15

3. C

   0.72

4. D

   -25

Appeared in: AIIMS Raipur NO - 2019 (Shift-1)

Explanation

• The first step is to replace the words and symbols with their new mathematical operations as defined in the question.
• The word 'divide' is replaced with multiplication (*), the '-' symbol with addition (+), and the '+' symbol with division (/).
• After substitution, the original expression '24 divide 12 - 18 + 9' becomes '24 * 12 + 18 / 9'.
• The BODMAS rule (Brackets, Orders, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction) must be applied to solve the new expression.
• Following BODMAS, division is performed first (18 / 9 = 2), then multiplication (24 * 12 = 288).
• The final step is addition (288 + 2), which equals 290.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option B: The value 15 is incorrect. It may result from a miscalculation or an incorrect application of the substitution rules or the order of operations.
• Option C: The value 0.72 is incorrect. This likely arises from significant errors in calculation or misunderstanding the operator substitution.
• Option D: The value -25 is incorrect. A negative result would typically be obtained if subtraction was the final, dominant operation, which is not the case in the correctly substituted expression.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain This question tests mathematical reasoning and the application of the BODMAS rule after symbol substitution as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
• While not a clinical question, this type of logical reasoning is foundational for problem-solving in any field.
• Nurses use logical deduction daily for tasks like calculating drug dosages, interpreting lab results, and prioritizing patient care, all of which require a systematic approach.
• What if the question stated that operations should be performed from left to right, ignoring BODMAS? The calculation would be 24 * 12 = 288, then 288 + 18 = 306, and finally 306 / 9 = 34. The answer would change completely, highlighting the importance of following the specified rules.

How to Approach the Question

• First, carefully read the problem to understand the substitution rules for each mathematical operator. It's helpful to write them down.
• Translate the given expression by replacing each original operator (or word) with its new assigned operator.
• Once you have the new expression, apply the standard order of operations, known as BODMAS or PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction).
• Perform calculations in the correct sequence: first division and multiplication (from left to right), then addition and subtraction (from left to right).
• Calculate the final result and match it with the given options.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: This question tests mathematical reasoning and the application of the BODMAS rule after symbol substitution.
• Stem keywords: mathematical operators, symbol substitution, BODMAS, reasoning
• Lead-in keywords: what is the value of
• Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

QsifW0Ke9mlViJzWCNo3SL

Copy ID