If < means -, > means +, $ means ÷, and & means x, then what is the value of 225 & 15 $ 3 > 5 < 10 ?

Appeared in: DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

The first step is to replace each symbol with its assigned mathematical operation: & becomes x, $ becomes ÷, > becomes +, and < becomes -.
The expression transforms to 225 x 15 ÷ 3 + 5 - 10.
According to the BODMAS/PEMDAS rule, multiplication and division are performed first, from left to right.
First, multiply 225 by 15 to get 3375. Then, divide 3375 by 3 to get 1125.
Finally, perform addition and subtraction from left to right: 1125 + 5 = 1130, and 1130 - 10 = 1120.

Option A: The value 50 is incorrect. This result might be obtained by making multiple calculation errors or not following the BODMAS rule correctly.
Option B: The value 1110 is incorrect. This result could be obtained if the > symbol was misinterpreted as subtraction instead of addition, leading to 1125 - 5 - 10 = 1110.
Option D: The value 40 is incorrect. This result is obtained if the symbols for multiplication (&) and division ($) are swapped. The calculation would be 225 ÷ 15 x 3 + 5 - 10 = 15 x 3 + 5 - 10 = 45 + 5 - 10 = 40.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Mathematical Reasoning with Symbol Substitution and Order of Operations (BODMAS/PEMDAS) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While this is a general aptitude question, the underlying skill of following a precise order of operations is critical in nursing.
This skill is directly transferable to medication dosage calculations, where a mistake in the order of operations can lead to significant dosing errors, posing a risk to patient safety.
For example, when calculating a drip rate or a complex IV admixture, nurses must perform calculations in a specific sequence to arrive at the correct, safe dose.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully read the question to identify the symbols and their corresponding mathematical operations.
Write down the key: < = -, > = +, $ = ÷, & = x.
Substitute these operations into the given expression: 225 & 15 $ 3 > 5 < 10 becomes 225 x 15 ÷ 3 + 5 - 10.
Recall the BODMAS/PEMDAS rule for the correct order of operations (Brackets, Orders, Division/Multiplication, Addition/Subtraction).
Solve the expression step-by-step. Perform multiplication and division from left to right first, then addition and subtraction from left to right.
Compare your final result with the given options to select the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Mathematical Reasoning with Symbol Substitution and Order of Operations (BODMAS/PEMDAS)
Stem keywords: < means -, > means +, $ means ÷, & means x, value of
Lead-in keywords: what is the value of

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Practise the full DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.