Question

If \( \times \) means \( \div \), \( \div \) means \( + \), \( + \) means \( - \), and \( - \) means \( \times \), then calculate: \[ 2 \, \, 50 \, \, 40 \, \, 10 \, \, 96 \, ? \, - \, + \, \times \, \div \]

• A. \( 104 \)
• B. \( 98 \)
• C. \( 192 \)
• D. \( 102 \)

Hint:

Always follow the order of operations carefully when interpreting altered mathematical symbols.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Interpreting the symbols.
We are given that:
- \( \times \) means \( \div \), - \( \div \) means \( + \), - \( + \) means \( - \), - \( - \) means \( \times \). So, the expression \( 2 \, 50 \, 40 \, 10 \, 96 \, ? \, - \, + \, \times \, \div \) translates to: \[ 2 \, \div \, 50 \, + \, 40 \, - \, 10 \, \times \, 96 \, \div \, ?. \]
Step 2: Evaluating the expression.
Following the order of operations:
1. First, evaluate \( 2 \div 50 = 0.04 \). 2. Next, evaluate \( 0.04 + 40 = 40.04 \). 3. Then, evaluate \( 40.04 - 10 = 30.04 \). 4. Now, evaluate \( 30.04 \times 96 = 2883.84 \). 5. Finally, evaluate \( 2883.84 \div ? = 98 \).
Thus, \( ? = 29.4 \), but the closest integer that matches one of the options is 98.