The ratio of boys and girls in a club is $3 : 2$. Which of the following could be the actual number of members?

### Concept & Logic The total number of members in a group must be perfectly divisible by the sum of the ratio parts representing the distinct subgroups (boys and girls). $$ \text{Total Members} = k \times (\text{Ratio}_1 + \text{Ratio}_2) $$ ### Step-by-Step Solution * **Given:** Ratio of boys to girls is $3 : 2$. * **Calculation:** Sum of the ratio parts = $3 + 2 = 5$. * **Deduction:** The actual number of members must be a multiple of 5. * **Evaluation:** Look at the given options: 16, 18, 24, and 25. The only number that is evenly divisible by 5 is 25. ### Exam Strategy & Shortcut Simply sum the ratio components ($3 + 2 = 5$) and scan the options for a multiple of that sum. 25 is the only multiple of 5. ### Common Pitfall Misunderstanding that people cannot be fractions. If you chose 24, for example, the number of girls would be $(2/5) \times 24 = 9.6$, which is logically impossible. ### Final Answer Therefore, the correct answer is **$25$**.