Cricket scoring logic: The highest score in an innings was 3/11 of the total, and the next highest was 3/11 of the remainder after removing the highest. If these two scores differ by 18, find the total score.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: 242

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This word problem tests proportional reasoning and careful setup of fractional parts of a whole. We translate the narrative into algebra involving the total score T and compute the two specified top scores.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Highest score H = (3/11) * T.
  • Remainder after removing H is T − H.
  • Next highest N = (3/11) * (T − H).
  • Difference H − N = 18 (highest exceeds next highest).


Concept / Approach:
Express both H and N in terms of T, then take their difference and equate it to 18. Solve for T using straightforward linear algebra. Fractions must be handled carefully; adopting a common denominator helps avoid mistakes.



Step-by-Step Solution:

H = (3/11)T.Remainder = T − H = T − (3/11)T = (8/11)T.N = (3/11) * (8/11)T = (24/121)T.Difference: H − N = (3/11 − 24/121)T = (33/121 − 24/121)T = (9/121)T.Set (9/121)T = 18 ⇒ T = 18 * 121 / 9 = 2 * 121 = 242.


Verification / Alternative check:
Compute scores: H = (3/11)*242 = 66; N = (24/121)*242 = 48; difference = 18, matching the condition.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
244, 294, 255, and 231 do not satisfy the difference equation H − N = 18 when substituted.



Common Pitfalls:
Using 3/11 of the total again for the second score instead of 3/11 of the remainder, or subtracting in the wrong order leading to a negative difference.



Final Answer:
242

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion