Interpreting mixed accuracy data: Rajesh solved 80% questions correctly. The statement provides inconsistent partial counts (37 correct out of 41, and 5 correct out of another 8). What is the total number of questions?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Can't be determined

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Sometimes test statements contain conflicting partial data. Here we are told Rajesh solved 80% correctly and also given two overlapping fragments: “37 correct out of 41” and “5 correct out of 8” from the remainder. Interpreting these simultaneously produces incompatible totals.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Overall: 80% of total questions answered correctly.
  • Fragment A: 37 correct out of a set of 41.
  • Fragment B: 5 correct out of another set of 8.
  • All questions carry equal marks; no negative marking is mentioned.


Concept / Approach:
If we combine the fragments as disjoint parts, total correct = 37 + 5 = 42. Then 42 is 80% of total ⇒ total = 52.5, which is impossible. Alternative readings also fail to yield a consistent integer total. Hence the data are insufficient or contradictory for a unique total.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Assume disjoint sets: correct = 37 + 5 = 42Total = 42 / 0.80 = 52.5 ⇒ not integral ⇒ inconsistencyOther interpretations (subset/superset) likewise do not produce a definitive integer total.


Verification / Alternative check:
Try treating 41 as the total attempted; then 37 correct contradicts the “80% of total” unless the total equals 46.25, also impossible. The statement remains ambiguous.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
75, 65, 60 provide arbitrary totals not supported by the given fragments and 80% condition.


Common Pitfalls:
Forcing a calculation by rounding or discarding parts of the data; instead, recognize when the information is inadequate to fix a unique value.


Final Answer:
Can't be determined

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