UPSC CSE Prelims 2025
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):
Since the calculated result is 20, option (B) correctly satisfies the given equation.
The other options do not yield the target value of 20 when their respective operations are applied following the order of operations.
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)
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)
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)