What will come in place of the question mark (?) in the following equation, if '+' and '-' are interchanged and '×' and '÷' are interchanged? $$363 \div 3 + 1148 \times 4 - 269 = ?$$

1. A

   1022

2. B

   1071

3. C

   1036

4. D

   1098

Appeared in: DSSSB 14 August 2024

Explanation

• The first step is to correctly substitute the operators in the given equation as per the instructions: '+' is replaced by '-', '-' by '+', '×' by '÷', and '÷' by '×'.
• The original equation '363 ÷ 3 + 1148 × 4 - 269' becomes '363 × 3 - 1148 ÷ 4 + 269'.
• The next step is to apply the BODMAS rule (Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction) to the new equation.
• Solving '1148 ÷ 4' gives 287. Solving '363 × 3' gives 1089.
• The equation simplifies to '1089 - 287 + 269'.
• Performing the final calculations (1089 - 287 = 802, then 802 + 269) yields the correct answer, 1071.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option A: This result is incorrect. It may arise from an error in calculation or not following the BODMAS rule correctly after interchanging the operators.
• Option C: This result is incorrect. It likely stems from a calculation mistake during one of the steps, such as addition or subtraction.
• Option D: This result is incorrect. This error could occur if the order of operations (BODMAS) is ignored, for instance, by performing subtraction before multiplication or division.

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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 operator interchange as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
• This is a general aptitude question designed to test logical reasoning and mathematical skills.
• While not directly clinical, the ability to perform calculations accurately and follow a set order of operations is a critical skill for nurses, especially in medication dosage calculations where precision is paramount for patient safety.
• What if the BODMAS rule was ignored and the new equation (363 × 3 - 1148 ÷ 4 + 269) was solved strictly from left to right? The result would be incorrect. For example, 1089 - 1148 = -59, then -59 ÷ 4 = -14.75, then -14.75 + 269 = 254.25, demonstrating the importance of following the correct order of operations.

How to Approach the Question

• First, carefully read the question to understand the required operator interchanges. Note down which symbol replaces which.
• Rewrite the entire mathematical expression with the new, interchanged operators.
• Recall the BODMAS rule for the correct order of operations: Brackets, Orders (powers/roots), Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction.
• Systematically solve the new equation. Perform all division and multiplication operations first, moving from left to right.
• After completing division and multiplication, perform all addition and subtraction operations, again moving from left to right.
• Compare your final result with the given options to find the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: This question tests mathematical reasoning and the application of the BODMAS rule after operator interchange.
• Stem keywords: equation, interchanged, + and -, × and ÷
• Lead-in keywords: What will come in place of the question mark
• Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

Q0gyb1A0Khw6QfxNRTErgK

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