A test has 200 questions. A student gains 4 marks for each correct answer and loses 1 mark for each wrong answer. He attempted all 200 questions and scored exactly 200 marks. How many questions did he answer correctly?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 80

Explanation:


Introduction:
This is a linear system based on totals: the count of questions and the score. With all questions attempted, correct and wrong add to 200. Scoring creates a second linear relation to solve for the number correct.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Total questions attempted = 200.
  • +4 marks for correct; −1 mark for wrong.
  • Total score = 200.


Concept / Approach:
Let c = number correct and w = number wrong. Then c + w = 200 and 4c − w = 200. Solve simultaneously.



Step-by-Step Solution:

From c + w = 200 → w = 200 − c.Plug into 4c − w = 200 → 4c − (200 − c) = 200.5c − 200 = 200 → 5c = 400 → c = 80.


Verification / Alternative check:
Then w = 120. Score = 4*80 − 120 = 320 − 120 = 200, matches perfectly.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Substituting 82, 68, 60, 88 into the equations fails to produce a total of 200 marks with 200 attempts.



Common Pitfalls:
Forgetting that all questions were attempted; c + w must equal 200.



Final Answer:
80

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