The value of (2/9) x (27/10) + ( 9/5-5) is ?

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent -29 April-2025 (shift-2nd)

Explanation

The problem requires applying the BODMAS (Brackets, Orders, Division/Multiplication, Addition/Subtraction) rule to correctly sequence the arithmetic operations.
First, the multiplication (2/9) × (27/10) is simplified to 3/5.
Second, the subtraction within the brackets (9/5 - 5) is calculated as -16/5.
Finally, the results are added: 3/5 + (-16/5), which equals -13/5.

Option A: The value -10/3 is incorrect. This result may arise from errors in fraction multiplication or subtraction, such as incorrectly combining the terms or miscalculating the common denominator.
Option B: The value -18/13 is incorrect. This answer might result from inverting the final fraction or from significant errors in the order of operations.
Option D: The value -6/7 is incorrect. This result does not follow from the correct application of arithmetic rules for fractions and likely stems from multiple calculation mistakes.

Visual 1: Infographic: A visual flowchart illustrating the BODMAS/PEMDAS order of operations with a sample calculation. This helps reinforce the correct sequence for solving mathematical expressions.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Order of Operations (BODMAS/PEMDAS) with Fractions as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While this is a general mathematics question, strong numeracy skills are essential in nursing for tasks like medication dosage calculation, IV drip rate monitoring, and interpreting patient data.
Accurate calculation prevents medication errors, which are a major patient safety concern.
What if? If a nurse miscalculates a dose by making a fractional error similar to those in the distractors, it could lead to under-dosing or over-dosing a patient, with potentially severe health consequences.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the different operations in the expression: multiplication, addition, and subtraction within brackets.
Recall the BODMAS/PEMDAS rule to determine the correct order of operations. 'B' for Brackets comes first.
Solve the operations inside the brackets separately. Here, (2/9) x (27/10) is one part and (9/5 - 5) is the other.
For the multiplication part, simplify the fractions by cancelling common factors before multiplying to make the calculation easier.
For the subtraction part, find a common denominator to correctly subtract the whole number from the fraction.
Finally, add the results of the two parts to get the final answer and match it with the given options.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full RRB Nsg. Superintendent -29 April-2025 (shift-2nd)

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