If + means ÷, ÷ means −, − means ×, × means +, then 12 + 6 ÷ 3 − 2 × 8 =

Question

If + means ÷, ÷ means −, − means ×, × means +, then 12 + 6 ÷ 3 − 2 × 8 =

1. A. −2
2. B. 2
3. C. 8
4. D. 4 (Correct answer)

Correct Answer

Option D — 4

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is 4.

Key Points

• Substitute the operators as defined: + becomes ÷, ÷ becomes −, − becomes ×, × becomes +.
• The expression 12 + 6 ÷ 3 − 2 × 8 therefore reads 12 ÷ 6 − 3 × 2 + 8.
• Apply BODMAS to the rewritten form: 12 ÷ 6 = 2 and 3 × 2 = 6, giving 2 − 6 + 8 = 4.

Additional Information

• The common trap is applying BODMAS to the printed symbols before substituting them — always rewrite the whole expression first.
• Within the same precedence level, work strictly left to right.
• BODMAS order: Brackets, Orders (powers and roots), Division and Multiplication, then Addition and Subtraction.