16Hit1600
AlgebraVery hardClass size from fractions of two groups

Algebra practice question

In a class, three quarters of the boys and half of the girls play a musical instrument. If 18 boys and 12 girls play an instrument, how many pupils are in the class?

Answer: 48

(3/4)b = 18 gives b = 24, and (1/2)g = 12 gives g = 24, so the class has 48 pupils.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 30
30 is the number who play, not the class size.
If you answered 36
36 is 24 + 12, mixing the girls who play with the total boys.
If you answered 40
40 comes from a slip in one of the two divisions.

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