If - means `xx , xx ` means + , + means `-:` and `-:` means -, then `40 xx 12 + 3 - 6 -: 60 ?`

Options

A. 7.95
B. 16
C. 4
D. 479.95

Explanation

To solve the expression `40 xx 12 + 3 - 6 -: 60` using the given operations, we first need to decode the symbols based on the instructions provided:

1. **Decoding the operations:**
- `-` means `×` (multiply)
- `xx` means `+` (add)
- `+` means `-:` (divide)
- `-:` means `-` (subtract)

Now, let's rewrite the expression `40 xx 12 + 3 - 6 -: 60` using the decoded operations:

- `40 xx 12` becomes `40 + 12`
- `+ 3` becomes `-: 3`
- `- 6` becomes `× 6`
- `-: 60` becomes `- 60`

So, the expression now looks like this:
\[ 40 + 12 -: 3 × 6 - 60 \]

2. **Performing the operations:**
According to the order of operations (BODMAS/BIDMAS), we will perform the operations in the following order: division, multiplication, addition, and subtraction.

- First, we need to evaluate `-: 3` which is `3 ÷ 3 = 1`.
- Then, we multiply `6 × 1 = 6`.
- Now, the expression is `40 + 12 - 6 - 60`.

3. **Continuing with the operations:**
- Now we perform the addition: `40 + 12 = 52`.
- Then we subtract `6`: `52 - 6 = 46`.
- Finally, we subtract `60`: `46 - 60 = -14`.

Thus, the final answer is:
\[ \text{Answer} = -14 \]

### Summary of Steps:
1. Decode the operations.
2. Rewrite the expression using decoded operations.
3. Perform division and multiplication first.
4. Continue with addition and subtraction in order.