In a class the number of girls is 20% more than that of the boys. The strength of the class is 66. If 4 more girls are admitted to the class, the ratio of the number of boys to that of the girls is
Aptitude
Ratio and Proportion
Difficulty: Medium
Choose an option
-
A1 : 2
-
B1 : 4
-
C3 : 4
-
D3 : 5
Answer
Correct Answer: 3 : 4
Explanation
### Concept & Percentage Proportions
To solve problems relating totals and relative percentages, express both quantities in terms of a single variable. The total sum of these expressions equals the overall strength.
$$ \text{Total} = \text{Boys} + \text{Girls} $$
### Step-by-Step Solution
1. Let the number of boys in the class be $x$.
2. The number of girls is $20\%$ more than the boys, which can be written as $x + 0.20x = 1.2x$.
3. The total strength of the class is $66$. Set up the equation:
$$ x + 1.2x = 66 $$
4. Solve for $x$:
$$ 2.2x = 66 $$
$$ x = \frac{66}{2.2} = 30 $$
5. So, there are $30$ boys. The number of girls is $1.2 \times 30 = 36$.
6. If $4$ more girls are admitted, the new number of girls becomes $36 + 4 = 40$.
7. The new ratio of boys to girls is:
$$ \frac{\text{Boys}}{\text{Girls}} = \frac{30}{40} = \frac{3}{4} $$
8. This corresponds to the ratio $3 : 4$.
### Exam Strategy & Shortcut
Instead of decimals, use proportional parts. Let boys be $100$ units. Girls are $120$ units. The ratio of Boys:Girls is $100:120 = 5:6$.
Total parts = $5 + 6 = 11$ parts.
Since $11$ parts = $66$ students, $1$ part = $6$ students.
Boys = $5 \times 6 = 30$. Girls = $6 \times 6 = 36$.
New girls = $36 + 4 = 40$. New ratio = $30 : 40 = 3 : 4$.
### Common Pitfall
A common error is adding the $4$ new students to the boys' count instead of the girls, or calculating the final ratio backwards as girls to boys ($4 : 3$). Always pay close attention to the final order requested in the prompt.
### Final Answer
Therefore, the correct answer is **3 : 4**.