Profit and Loss Question 1 - CAT 2020
In the final examination, Bishnu scored 52% and Asha scored 64%. The marks obtained by Bishnu is 23 less, and that by Asha is 34 more than the marks obtained by Ramesh. The marks obtained by Geeta, who scored 84%, is:
Step-by-Step Explanation
Let the total maximum marks of the examination be T.
Bishnu's marks: 0.52T
Asha's marks: 0.64T
We can write Ramesh's marks using both scores:
Ramesh's marks = 0.52T + 23
Ramesh's marks = 0.64T − 34
Equating the two expressions:
0.52T + 23 = 0.64T − 34
34 + 23 = 0.64T − 0.52T
57 = 0.12T
T = 57 / 0.12 = 475
Now, calculate Geeta's marks, who scored 84%:
Geeta's marks = 0.84 × 475 = 399
Correct Option: D
💡 FundaMakers Tip:
Look directly at the percentage gap. The difference between Asha's and Bishnu's percentages is 64% − 52% = 12%. The absolute gap between their marks is 23 + 34 = 57 marks.
You can immediately state that 12% of the total marks equals 57. From here, finding Geeta's 84% score is a direct scale-up: since 84% = 12% × 7, Geeta's marks must be 57 × 7 = 399. Skipping the calculation for total marks entirely saves valuable time.