Question

In a combined test in Maths and Science 74% passed in Maths, 84% passed in Science and 8% failed in both. Find the total number of candidates who appeared for the test if the number of passed candidates is 330.

• A. 450
• B. 500
• C. 400
• D. 525

Answer 1

The correct option is B

500

The number of students who failed in both subjects = 8%

The number of students who passed in Maths = 74%

$\therefore$ The % of students who failed only in Maths = 100 - 74 - 8 = 18%

The number of students who passed in Science = 84%

$\therefore$ The % of students who failed only in Science = 100 - 84 - 8 = 8%

We can also visualise this as:

Total percentage of students who failed = 18 + 8 + 8 = 34%

$\therefore$ Total percentage of students who passed = 100 - 34 = 66%

Let the total number of students be $x$

As per problem : $\frac{66}{100}x$ = 330

$\Rightarrow$ $x$ = $\frac{330\times 100}{66}$ = 500

The total number of students = 500