Correct Option (B)
Given the symbol mapping: P = +, Q = –, R = ×, S = ÷. The target equation is 60 _ 15 _ 3 _ 20 _ 4 = 20.
For option (B) QRPS, the operations are Q (–), R (×), P (+), S (÷). Substituting these into the equation yields:
60 – 15 × 3 + 20 ÷ 4
Following the order of operations (BODMAS/PEMDAS):
- First, perform division: 20 ÷ 4 = 5. The expression becomes: 60 – 15 × 3 + 5
- Next, perform multiplication: 15 × 3 = 45. The expression becomes: 60 – 45 + 5
- Then, perform subtraction: 60 – 45 = 15. The expression becomes: 15 + 5
- Finally, perform addition: 15 + 5 = 20
Since the calculated result is 20, option (B) correctly satisfies the given equation.
Incorrect Options:
The other options do not yield the target value of 20 when their respective operations are applied following the order of operations.
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Option (A) SPRQ: Operations are S (÷), P (+), R (×), Q (–).
60 ÷ 15 + 3 × 20 – 4
= 4 + 3 × 20 – 4
= 4 + 60 – 4
= 64 – 4
= 60 (Not equal to 20)
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Option (C) QRSP: Operations are Q (–), R (×), S (÷), P (+).
60 – 15 × 3 ÷ 20 + 4
= 60 – 45 ÷ 20 + 4
= 60 – 2.25 + 4
= 57.75 + 4
= 61.75 (Not equal to 20)
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Option (D) SPQR: Operations are S (÷), P (+), Q (–), R (×).
60 ÷ 15 + 3 – 20 × 4
= 4 + 3 – 20 × 4
= 4 + 3 – 80
= 7 – 80
= -73 (Not equal to 20)
