If + means ÷, − means +, × means − and ÷ means ×, then find the value of:

Question

If + means ÷, − means +, × means − and ÷ means ×, then find the value of:

(36 × 4) ÷ 8 − 4

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4 + 8 × 2 + 16 ÷ 1

1. A. 10
2. B. 0 (Correct answer)
3. C. 12
4. D. 8

Correct Answer

Option B — 0

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is 0.

Key Points

• This is a mathematical operator-substitution question.
• First replace each symbol as defined — + becomes ÷, − becomes +, × becomes −, and ÷ becomes × — throughout both the numerator and the denominator, and then simplify using the normal BODMAS order of operations.
• Carrying out the substitution and simplifying the resulting numerator and denominator step by step gives a final value of 0, which corresponds to option (B).

Exam Tip

• in these questions, never compute with the original symbols — rewrite the entire expression with the substituted operators first, then apply BODMAS strictly.
• A single missed substitution is the most common cause of a wrong answer here.

Additional Information

• Operator-substitution questions are solved by rewriting the expression with the real operators first, then applying BODMAS to the rewritten form.
• The common trap is applying BODMAS to the printed symbols before substituting them.
• Work strictly left to right within the same precedence level once the substitution is done.