Basic Concepts & Short Tricks of Fictitious Symbol questions

Basic Concepts & Short Tricks of Fictitious Symbol questions

Different types of questions covered in this chapter are as follows

• Symbol Substitution
• Balancing the Equation
• Interchange of Signs and Numbers
• Trick Based Mathematical Operations

Note:- While solving a mathematical expression, proceed according to the rule BODMAS — i.e., Brackets, Of, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction.

Example: 

(36 -12) ÷4 + 6 + 2 x 3 = 24 ÷ 4 + 6 + 2 x 3 (Solving Bracket)

= 6 + 6 + 2 x 3 (Solving Division)

= 6+6+6  (Solving Multiplication)

= 18     (Solving Addition)

Type 1: Symbol Substitution

In this type of question, a candidate is provided with the substitutes for various mathematical symbols followed by a question involving calculation of an expression or choosing the correct/ incorrect equation. The candidate is required to put in the real signs in the given equation and then solve the questions as required.

Ex 1: if ‘×’ means ‘-’, ‘÷’ means ‘+’, + means ‘×’, then 18 × 5 ÷ 5 +6 is equal to

1. 58
2. 49
3. 43
4. 37

Solution: (c)

Change of symbols according to the question,

? = 18 × 5 ÷ 5 + 6 = 18 – 5 + 5 × 6

= 18 – 5 + 30 = (13 + 30) = 43

Type 2: Balancing the Equation

In this type of questions, the signs in one of the alternatives are required to fill up the blank spaces in order to balance the given equation

Ex: Choose the correct option in order to balance the following equation.

24 6  12  16 = 0

1. - , + and +
2. ÷, + and ÷
3. -, - and -
4. ÷, + and –

Solution: (d)

From Option (d)

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Type 3: Interchange of Signs and Numbers

In this type of questions, the given equation becomes correct and fully balanced when either two signs of the equation or both the numbers and the signs of the equation are interchanged. The candidate is required to find the correct pair of signs and numbers from the given options.

Ex: Choose the correct interchange option in order to make the given equation correct

10 – 2 +9 × 2 ÷ 4 = 19

1. ÷,+,x and -
2. -,+,x and +
3. ÷, ÷,÷ and ×
4. ×,÷,× and ÷

Solution: (a)

Let us check the options one by one

From option (a),

As options (a) gives us the correct answer. Hence, there is no need to check other options

Type 4: Trick Based Mathematical Operations

The questions are based on simple mathematical operations that do not follow a universal rule. These questions can be based on several different patterns.

Ex: If 9 × 5 × 2 = 529 and 4 × 7 × 2 = 724, then 3 × 9 × 8 = ?

1. 983
2. 839
3. 938
4. 893

Solution: (a)

= 983

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