Answer: B
Correct answer: 262
The two operators are not arithmetic in the usual sense. Square the bracketed number, then \( @ \) writes the next number immediately after it (digits joined, not added), and \( * \) adds the final number.
Checking both worked examples: \( (3)^2 = 9 \), joined with 1 gives 91, and \( 91 + 7 = 98 \). \( (4)^2 = 16 \), joined with 2 gives 162, and \( 162 + 16 = 178 \).
So \( (5)^2 = 25 \), joined with 3 gives 253, and \[ 253 + 9 = \mathbf{262} \] The option 253 is the value before the last addition, offered as a distractor.