Two students appeared for an examination. One of them scored 25 marks more than the other and his marks were 60 percent of the sum of their marks. What was the total marks obtained by them?

1. A

   100

2. B

   125

3. C

   120

4. D

   75

Appeared in: DSSSB -28 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

• The problem is solved by setting up a linear equation based on the given information.
• Let the marks of the two students be 'x' and 'x + 25'.
• The equation is formed from the statement that the higher score is 60% of the total sum: x + 25 = 0.60 * (x + x + 25).
• Solving the equation gives x = 50.
• The individual marks are 50 and 75.
• The total marks are the sum of the individual marks, which is 50 + 75 = 125.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option A: If the total marks were 100, the individual marks would be 37.5 and 62.5. Here, 62.5 is 62.5% of 100, not 60%.
• Option C: If the total marks were 120, the individual marks would be 47.5 and 72.5. Here, 72.5 is approximately 60.4% of 120, not exactly 60%.
• Option D: 75 represents the marks of the student who scored higher, not the total marks of both students. The question asks for the sum of their marks.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Solving linear equations from word problems involving percentages as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
• While this is a general aptitude question, the underlying skill of translating word problems into equations is vital in nursing.
• Nurses frequently perform calculations for medication dosages, IV drip rates, and converting units, all of which require accurate mathematical reasoning.
• For example, calculating a pediatric dose based on body weight (mg/kg) or preparing a solution of a certain percentage concentration involves similar skills.

How to Approach the Question

• First, carefully read the problem to understand the relationship between the quantities.
• Identify the unknown values and assign a variable, like 'x', to one of them.
• Express the other unknown values in terms of 'x' based on the problem statement (e.g., the other score is 'x + 25').
• Translate the main condition of the problem (one score is a percentage of the sum) into a mathematical equation.
• Solve the resulting linear equation to find the value of 'x'.
• Finally, use the value of 'x' to calculate what the question is asking for – in this case, the total marks (2x + 25).

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Solving linear equations from word problems involving percentages.
• Stem keywords: examination, marks, sum, percent
• Lead-in keywords: What was

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QXYqy3z744vg8egryaFezy

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