Totals (Growth rates) — What is the total number of students in the school this year? Statements: I. The ratio of girls to boys is 2:3. II. The number of students grew by 5% this year and by 4% last year, starting from 2000 the year before last.

Introduction / Context:We must compute this year’s total from chained percentage growth starting from a known baseline.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Year before last: 2000 students.
• Last year growth: +4%.
• This year growth: +5% (on last year).
• Gender ratio 2:3 is irrelevant for totals.

Concept / Approach:Apply successive percentage growth multiplicatively.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:Order of application matches chronology; no rounding needed for an integer cohort when base is integral in this setup.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• A: A ratio without any count cannot yield a total.
• C/D/E: Statement II alone already yields a unique total.

Common Pitfalls:Adding percentages instead of compounding; mixing base years.

Final Answer:B — Statement II alone suffices (Total = 2184 students).