Ranking test – totals of two separate rows: Row–1: Jeevan is 7th from the start and 11th from the end. Row–2: Vikas is 10th from the start and 12th from the end. How many boys are there in both rows together?

Introduction / Context:Each row's total can be found from a single student’s top and bottom ranks using the same identity as earlier; then we add the two row totals.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Row–1 (Jeevan): top 7th, bottom 11th.
• Row–2 (Vikas): top 10th, bottom 12th.

Concept / Approach:For each row: N = top_rank + bottom_rank − 1. Sum both Ns.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:The counts are independent across rows; nothing in the statement suggests shared students.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:40 and 32 arise from arithmetic slips; “Cannot be determined” is incorrect because each row’s total is uniquely determined.

Common Pitfalls:Missing the −1 in each row; adding ranks and subtracting −1 only once.

Final Answer:38