Which two signs should be interchanged to make the given equation correct?
16−4+2×15÷5=29
- A÷ and −
- B+ and ×
- C× and −
- D÷ and ×
Solution & Step-by-step Explanation
Let's check Option C (× and −):
Interchanging − and × in the original expression gives:
16×4+2−15÷5
Now solve using BODMAS rules:
Division: 15÷5=3
Expression becomes: 16×4+2−3
Multiplication: 16×4=64
Expression becomes: 64+2−3
Addition and Subtraction:
66−3=63
=29
This is incorrect. Let's test Option B (+ and ×):
16−4×2+15÷5
Division: 15÷5=3
16−4×2+3
Multiplication: 4×2=8
16−8+3
Addition/Subtraction:
16−8+3=8+3=11
=29
This is incorrect. Let's test Option A (÷ and −):
16÷4+2×15−5
Division: 16÷4=4
4+2×15−5
Multiplication: 2×15=30
4+30−5
Addition and Subtraction:
34−5=29
The LHS equals RHS (29=29). Thus, interchanging ÷ and − makes the equation correct.
Interchanging − and × in the original expression gives:
16×4+2−15÷5
Now solve using BODMAS rules:
Division: 15÷5=3
Expression becomes: 16×4+2−3
Multiplication: 16×4=64
Expression becomes: 64+2−3
Addition and Subtraction:
66−3=63
=29
This is incorrect. Let's test Option B (+ and ×):
16−4×2+15÷5
Division: 15÷5=3
16−4×2+3
Multiplication: 4×2=8
16−8+3
Addition/Subtraction:
16−8+3=8+3=11
=29
This is incorrect. Let's test Option A (÷ and −):
16÷4+2×15−5
Division: 16÷4=4
4+2×15−5
Multiplication: 2×15=30
4+30−5
Addition and Subtraction:
34−5=29
The LHS equals RHS (29=29). Thus, interchanging ÷ and − makes the equation correct.