Start here · the first lesson of Operators replaced by symbols
Operators replaced by symbols
Mathematical Operations, Coded Inequalities, Missing Number · for IPMAT Indore, IPMAT Rohtak and JIPMAT
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The idea
The question tells you that the printed signs stand for other operations (+ means ÷, A stands for +). You rewrite the expression with the real operations and evaluate it with BODMAS. JIPMAT asks one almost every year (2021 Q9, 2022 Q32, 2025 Q10, 2026 Q16) and afterboards files them under coding-decoding; Rohtak 2020 Q20 used letters.
Textbook vs exam method
Textbook method
- Write the meaning table: printed sign → real operation.
- Copy the expression replacing every sign at once.
- Evaluate with BODMAS.
- For "which equation is correct", do this for every option.
Exam method
- Rewrite, then compute. 36 × 12 + 4 ÷ 6 + 2 − 3 with + → ÷, − → ×, ÷ → +, × → − becomes 36 − 12 ÷ 4 + 6 ÷ 2 × 3.
- BODMAS. 12 ÷ 4 = 3, 6 ÷ 2 × 3 = 9, so 36 − 3 + 9 = 42.
- Equation options. evaluate the cheapest option first; stop when one fits.
- Interchange items. an interchange swaps both signs everywhere.