If '+' means 'division', '×' means 'addition', '−' means 'multiplication', and '÷' means 'subtraction', then find the value of th…

Question

If '+' means 'division', '×' means 'addition', '−' means 'multiplication', and '÷' means 'subtraction', then find the value of the following expression: 36 − 2 + 4×10÷5

1. A. 23 (Correct answer)
2. B. 34
3. C. 41
4. D. 11

Correct Answer

Option A — 23

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is 23.

Key Points

• Substitute as defined: + → ÷, × → +, − → ×, ÷ → −.
• The expression 36 − 2 + 4 × 10 ÷ 5 becomes 36 × 2 ÷ 4 + 10 − 5.
• Apply BODMAS to the converted expression, taking × and ÷ from left to right:
  • 36 × 2 = 72, then 72 ÷ 4 = 18
• Then addition and subtraction, left to right:
  • 18 + 10 = 28, then 28 − 5 = 23

Additional Information

• Substitute first and apply precedence second. Evaluating in the original order before swapping is the error every distractor is built around.
• Under BODMAS, division and multiplication share one level and resolve left to right, as do addition and subtraction — 36 × 2 ÷ 4 is not 36 × (2 ÷ 4).
• Rewriting the fully converted expression on paper costs a few seconds and eliminates nearly every mistake in this question type.
• Note that all four operators are reassigned here, so overlooking even one swap changes the answer.