Mixture of animals and handlers in a caravan: hens, goats, camels, and human keepers In a caravan there are 50 hens, 45 goats, 8 camels, and some human keepers. If the total number of feet is 224 more than the total number of heads, how many keepers are there?

Introduction / Context:
This quantitative reasoning problem mixes counting of heads and feet across different species and people. It tests your ability to translate words into equations by assigning the correct number of heads and feet to birds, animals, and humans, and then solving a simple linear relation.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Hens = 50 (each with 1 head, 2 feet).
• Goats = 45 (each with 1 head, 4 feet).
• Camels = 8 (each with 1 head, 4 feet).
• Keepers = K (each with 1 head, 2 feet).
• Total feet = total heads + 224.

Concept / Approach:
Model heads and feet separately, then use the stated relationship to form and solve an equation in the unknown K (number of keepers).

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Plug K = 15 back: heads = 118; feet = 312 + 2*15 = 342; difference = 342 − 118 = 224, which matches the condition.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 5, 8, 10: Substituting these values fails the feet minus heads = 224 requirement.

Common Pitfalls:
Assigning 4 feet to hens (they have 2), forgetting to include keepers’ heads, or mixing up the “224 more than” relation.

Final Answer:
15