In an examination of 2000 candidates, every candidate took Physics or Mathematics or both. If 65.8% took Physics and 59.2% took Mathematics, how many took both subjects?

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:

Both % = 65.8 + 59.2 − 100 = 25.0% Both count = 25% of 2000 = 0.25 * 2000 = 500


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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