Ranking test – total strength from top and bottom ranks: Kavi ranked 9th from the top and 38th from the bottom in a class. How many students are there in the class in total?

Introduction / Context:
When one student’s rank from the top and from the bottom are both known, the class size is computed by summing those ranks and subtracting one (to avoid double-counting the same student).

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Kavi's top-rank = 9.
• Kavi's bottom-rank = 38.

Concept / Approach:
The formula is: class_size N = top_rank + bottom_rank − 1.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Imagine 8 students above and 37 below Kavi: 8 + 1 + 37 = 46, confirming the identity.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
45 or 44 result from forgetting to include Kavi correctly or misapplying the −1 adjustment.

Common Pitfalls:
Adding ranks without subtracting 1, which double-counts Kavi.

Final Answer:
46