Number theory — class composition check: Determine which total is impossible. In a class, the number of boys is 3 times the number of girls. Which of the following cannot be the total number of students? Choose the single impossible total.
Verbal Reasoning
Arithmetic Reasoning
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
-
A48
-
B44
-
C42
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D40
Answer
Correct Answer: 42
Explanation
Given
- Boys = 3 × Girls ⇒ Total = Boys + Girls = 4 × Girls.
ApproachTotal must be a multiple of 4.
Check options48 ✔ multiple of 444 ✔ multiple of 442 ✖ not a multiple of 440 ✔ multiple of 4
Final Answer42