Literacy rate among women from aggregated data: A country has a total population of 2,94,000, out of which 1,50,000 are males. Of every 100 males, 98 can read and write. Overall, 53% of the total population is literate. What percentage of women can read and write?

Introduction / Context:
This data-sufficiency style percentage problem requires breaking totals into male and female groups, using given male literacy rates and the overall literacy percentage to deduce the counterpart female literacy. It mirrors census-style computations used in demographics and policy planning.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Total population = 2,94,000.
• Males = 1,50,000 ⇒ Females = 2,94,000 − 1,50,000 = 1,44,000.
• Male literacy: 98% of males are literate.
• Overall literacy: 53% of the total population.

Concept / Approach:
Compute male literates first. Compute total literates from the overall percentage. Subtract male literates from total literates to get female literates. Finally, divide female literates by total females and convert to percentage.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Sum literacy check: 1,47,000 (male) + 8,820 (female) = 1,55,820, matching overall literates, confirming internal consistency.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
5.125%, 6.000%, 4.125%, 7.000% do not match the exact computation from the balanced totals.

Common Pitfalls:
Applying 53% separately to males and females or miscomputing female count as 1,40,000. Always keep track of group sizes and apply percentages carefully to the correct bases.

Final Answer:
6.125%