Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: 500
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Again, an inclusion–exclusion principle question, but this time we must convert the union (100%, since every candidate took at least one) into an absolute count for the intersection using given percentages and total candidates.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Total candidates = 2000. Physics = 65.8%. Mathematics = 59.2%. Everyone took at least one.
Concept / Approach:
Physics + Mathematics − Both = 100% of the candidates. Therefore, Both % = Physics % + Mathematics % − 100%. Multiply by total to get headcount.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Union check: 65.8 + 59.2 − 25 = 100%. Numbers balance perfectly.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
750, 250, 125, and 600 correspond to incorrect percentage conversions or misuse of inclusion–exclusion.
Common Pitfalls:
Forgetting that the union equals 100% here, or miscomputing percentages of the total population.
Final Answer:
500
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