Aptitude Solved Problems

Ratio And Proportion

Ratio :

Ratio is a quantity which represents the relationship between two similar quantities.

If the two quantities are a and b, then ratio of a and b represented as

 a : b or ( a / b )
Here a is called antecedent and b is called consequent

Basic Formulas :

The ratio of two quantities a and b in the same units, is the fraction and we write it as a : b.

Types of Ratio :

Duplicate ratio:

Duplicate ratio is the ratio of two equal ratios.

Duplicate ratio of ( a : b ) is ( a2 : b2 )

Example sum :

16 : 25 is the duplicate ratio of 4 : 5

Triplicate Ratio :

The triplicate ratio is the compound ratio of three equal ratios.

The ratio of the cubes of the two numbers.
( a : b ) is ( a3 : b3 )

Example sum

64 : 125 is the triplicate ratio of 4 : 5

Sub duplication Ratio :

The ratio between the square roots of the two numbers

( a : b ) is ( √a : √b )

Example sum

4 : 5 is the sub duplicate ratio of 16 : 25

Sub triplicate Ratio :

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The ratio between the cube roots of the two numbers
(a : b) is (a(1/3) : b(1/3))

Example sum

4 : 5 is the sub triplicate ratio of 64 : 125

Inverse Ratio :

If the two terms in the ratio interchange their places, then the new ratio is inverse ratio of the first.

Example sum :

9 : 5 is the inverse ratio of 5 : 9

Compound Ratio :

The ratio of the product of the first terms to that of the second terms of two or more ratios.

Example sum :

The compound ratio of ( 3 / 4 ), ( 5 / 7 ), ( 4 / 5 ), ( 4 / 5 ) is ( 9 / 35 )

Proportional :

The equality of two ratios is called proportion.

When A : B = m : n, and C : D = p : q.
we say that A, B, C, D are in proportion.
Here A and D are called extremes, while B and C are called mean terms.
Product of means = Product of extremes.
Thus, a : b :: c : d ⇒ ( b * c ) = ( a * d )

Fourth Proportional :

If a : b = c : d, then d is called the fourth proportional to a, b, c.

Third Proportional :

a : b = c : d, then c is called the third proportion to a and b.

Mean Proportional :

Mean proportional between a and b is √ab.

Comparison of Ratios :

We say that ( a : b ) < ( c : d ) ⇒ ( a / b ) > ( c / d )

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 Solved Problems
1. If 10% of x = 20% of y, then x:y is equal to:
Answer: 2:1
Explanation:
10% of x = 20% of y
10x/100 = 20y/100 => x/10 = y/5
x/y = 10/5 = 2/1
x:y = 2:1

2. The ratio of the number of boys and girls in a college is 7:8. If the percentage increase in the
number of boys and girls be 20% and 10% respectively. What will be the new ratio?
Answer: 21:22
Explanation:
Let the number of boys and girls in the college be 7x and 8x respectively.
Their increased number is (120% of 7x) and (110% of 8x).
i.e., (120/100 * 7x) and (110/100 * 8x)
i.e., 42x/5 and 44x/5
Required ratio = 42x/5 : 44x/5 = 21:22

3. A sum of money is to be distributed among A, B, C, D in the proportion of 5:2:4:3. If C gets Rs.

1000 more than D, what is B's share?
Answer: Rs. 2000
Explanation:
Let the shares of A, B, C and D be 5x, 2x, 4x and 3x Rs. Respectively.
Then, 4x - 3x = 1000 => x = 1000.
B's share = Rs. 2x = 2 * 1000 = Rs. 2000.

4. Two numbers are in the ratio 3 : 4. If the sum of numbers is 63, find the numbers.
Answer: 27 and 36.
Explanation:
Sum of the terms of the ratio = 3 + 4 = 7
Sum of numbers = 63
Therefore, first number = 3/7 × 63 = 27
Second number = 4/7 × 63 = 36
Therefore, the two numbers are 27 and 36.

5. Find the third proportional of 16 and 20.

Answer: 25
Explanation:
Let the third proportional of 16 and 20 be x.
Then 16, 20, x are in proportion.
This means 16 : 20 = 20 : x
So, 16 × x = 20 × 20
x = (20 × 20)/16 = 25
Therefore, the third proportional of 16 and 20 is 25.

6. The ratio of number of boys and girls is 4 : 3. If there are 18 girls in a class, find the number of
boys in the class and the total number of students in the class.
Answer: 42

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Explanation:
Number of girls in the class = 18
Ratio of boys and girls = 4 : 3
According to the question,
Boys/Girls = 4/5
Boys/18 = 4/5
Boys = (4 × 18)/3 = 24
Therefore, total number of students = 24 + 18 = 42.

7. The first, second and third terms of the proportion are 42, 36, 35. Find the fourth term.
Answer: 30
Explanation:
Let the fourth term be x.
Thus 42, 36, 35, x are in proportion.
Product of extreme terms = 42 *x
Product of mean terms = 36 X 35
Since, the numbers make up a proportion
Therefore, 42 * x = 36 * 35
or, x = (36 * 35)/42
or, x = 30
Therefore, the fourth term of the proportion is 30.

8. If 40% of a number is equal to two-third of another number, what is the ratio of first number to
the second number?
Answer: 5:3
Explanation:
Let 40% of A = 2/3 B. Then,
40A/100 = 2B/3 => 2A/5 = 2B/3
A/B = (2/3 * 5/2) = 5/3
A:B = 5:3.

9. The fourth proportional to 5, 8, 15 is:

Answer: 24
Explanation:
Let the fourth proportional to 5, 8, 15 be x.
Then, 5:8 :: 15:x
x = (8 * 15)/5 = 24.

10. If Rs. 510 be divided among A, B, C in such a way that A gets 2/3 of what B gets and B gets
1/4 of what C gets, then their shares are respectively:
Answer: Rs. 60, Rs. 90, Rs. 360
Explanation:
(A = 2/3 B and B = 1/4 C) = A/B = 2/3 and B/C = 1/4
A:B = 2:3 and B:C = 1:4 = 3:12
A:B:C = 2:3:12
A;s share = 510 * 2/17 = Rs. 60
B's share = 510 * 3/17 = Rs. 90
C's share = 510 * 12/17 = Rs. 360.

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11. The sum of three numbers is 98. If the ratio of the first to the second is 2:3. And that of the
second to the third is 5:8, then the second number is:
Answer:30
Explanation:
Let the three parts A, B, C.
Then, A:B = 2:3 and B:C = 5:8
= (5 * 3/5) : (8 * 3/5) = 3:24/5
A:B:C = 2:3:24/5
= 10:15:24 => B = 98 * 15/49 = 30.

12. A and B together have Rs. 1210. If 4/15 of A's amount is equal to 2/5 of B's amount, how
much amount does B have?
Answer: Rs. 484
Explanation:
4/15 A = 2/5 B => A = (2/5 * 15/4)B
A =3/2 B => A/B = 3/2 => A:B = 3:2
B's share = 1210 * 2/5 = Rs. 484.

13. Seats for Mathematics, Physics and Biology in a school are in the ratio 5:7:8. There is a
proposal to increase these seats by 40%, 50% and 75% respectively. What will be the ratio of
increased seats?
Answer: 2:3:4
Explanation:
Let the number of seats for Mathematics, Physics and Biology be 5x, 7x and 8x respectively.
Number of increased sears are (140% of 5x), (150% of 7x) and (175% of 8x)
i.e., (140/100 * 5x), (150/100 * 7x) and (175/100 * 8x)
i.e., 7x, 21x/2 and 14x
Required ratio = 7x:21x/2:14x
= 14x : 21x : 28x = 2:3:4

14. Seats for Mathematics, Physics and Biology in a school are in the ratio 5 : 7 : 8. There is a
proposal to increase these seats by 40%, 50% and 75% respectively. What will be the ratio of
increased seats?
Answer: 2 : 3 : 4
Explanation:
Let the number of seats for Mathematics, Physics and Biology be 5X , 7X and 8X respectively.
Number of increased seats are (140% of 5X), (150% of 7X) and (175% of 8X).
= (140/100*5X),(150/100*7X),(175/100*8x)
= 7x,21X/2 and 14X
The required ratio = 7X:21X/2:14X
=14x:21x:28X
=2:3:4

15. The ratio of first and second class train fares between two stations is 40:1 and that of the
number of passengers travelling between these stations by first and second class is 1:20. If on a
particular day Rs.2700/- be collected from the passengers travelling between these stations, then
the amount collected from first class passengers is?
Answer: Rs.1800
Explanation:

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First class:Second class = 40:1
mens ratio = 1:20
Tickets ratio = 40 : 1
Mens ratio = 1 : 20
Money ratio = 40 : 20 = 2 : 1
3 parts = Rs.2700
1 part = Rs.900
2 parts = Rs.1800

16. A fraction bears the same ratio to 1/27 as 3/7 does to 5/9. The fraction is?
Answer: 1/35
Explanation:
Let the fraction be x. Then,
x:1/27 = 3/7 : 5/9
x × 5/9 = 1/27 × 3/7
x × 5/9 = 1/9 × 1/7
x × 5/9 = 1/63
x × 5 = 9/63
5x = 1/7 = 1/35

16. What must be added to each term of the ratio 2 : 3, so that it may become equal to 4 : 5?
Answer: 2
Explanation:
Let the number to be added be x, then (2 + x) : (3 + x) = 4 : 5
(2 + x)/(5 + x) = 4/5
5(2 + x) = 4(3 + x)
10 + 5x = 12 + 4x
5x - 4x = 12 - 10
x=2

17. The salaries of A, B, C are in the ratio 2:3:5. If the increments of 15%, 10% and 20% are
allowed respectively in their salaries, then what will be the new ratio of their salaries?
Answer: 23:33:60
Explanation:
A's new salary = 115/100 of 2k = 23/10 k
B's new salary = 110/100 of 3k = 33/10 k
C's new salary = 120/100 of 5k = 6k
New ratio = 23k/10 : 33k/10 : 6k = 23:33:60

18. Two numbers are in the ratio 3:5. If 9 is subtracted from each, the new numbers are in the ratio
12:23. The smaller number is:
Answer: 33
Explanation:
Let the numbers be 3x and 5x.
Then, (3x - 9)/(5x - 9) = 12/23
9x = 99 => x = 11
The smallest number = 3 * 11 = 33.

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19. Two numbers are in the ratio 1:2. If 7 is added to both, their ratio changes to 3:5. The greatest
number is:
Answer: 28
Explanation:
Let the numbers be x and 2x.
Then, (x + 7)/(2x + 7) = 3/5
x = 14
Greatest number = 2 * 14 = 28

20. In a bag, there are coins of 25 p, 10 p and 5 p in the ratio of 1:2:3. If there are Rs. 30 in all, how
many 5 p coins are there?
Answer: 150
Explanation:
Let the number of 25 p, 10 p and 5 p coins be x, 2x and 3x respectively.
Then, sum of their values = [25x/100 + (10 * 2x)/100 + (5 * 3x)/100] = Rs. 60x/100
60x/100 = 30 => x = 50.
Hence, the number of 5 p coins = 3 * 50 = 150.

21. A gardener wants to plant trees in his garden in rows in such a way that the number of trees in
each row to be the same. If there are 24 rows the number of trees in each row is 42 if there are 12
more rows find the number of trees in each row?
Answer: 28
Explanation:
Required number of trees
= 24/36 * 42 = 28.

22. In a fort, there are 1200 soldiers. If each soldier consumes 3 kg per day, the provisions
available in the fort will last for 30 days. If some more soldiers join, the provisions available will
last for 25 days given each soldier consumes 2.5 kg per day. Find the number of soldiers joining
the fort in that case.
Answer: 528
Explanation:
Assume x soldiers join the fort. 1200 soldiers have provision for 1200 (days for which provisions
last them)(rate of consumption of each soldier)
= (1200)(30)(3) kg.
Also provisions available for (1200 + x) soldiers is (1200 + x)(25)(2.5) k
As the same provisions are available
=>(1200)(30)(3) =(1200 + x)(25)(2.5)
x = [(1200)(30)(3)] /(25)(2.5) - 1200 => x = 528.

23. Some pens are divided among A, B, C and D. A gets twice the number of pens that B gets. C
gets the same number of pens as D gets. If A gets 25 pens more than D and the ratio of the number
of pens that B and C get is 2 : 3, then find the number of pens that D gets ?
Answer: 75
Explanation:
Let the number of pens that A, B, C and D get be a, b, c and d respectively.
a:b=2:1
a = c + 25
b:c=2:3
a:b:c:d=4:2:3:3

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a,d get 4p, 3p pens
=> 4p - 3p = 25 (given)
p = 25
=> D gets 3p = 3 * 25 = 75 pens.

24. Ram's age and Shyam's age are in the ratio 3 : 4. Seven years ago the ratio of their ages was 2:
3. Find the ratio of their ages five years hence?
Answer: 26 : 33
Explanation:
Let ages of Ramu and Shyamu be x and y respectively.
x/y = 3/4 => x = 3/4 y
Also (x - 7) / (y - 7) = 2/3
=> 3x - 21 = 2y - 14
3x = 2y + 7
But x = 3/4 y
3 * 3/4 y = 2y + 7
9y = 8y + 28 => y = 28 years
Ratio of their ages five years hence
= (21 + 5) / (28 + 5) = 26/33.

25. Three numbers are in the ratio 5 : 6 : 7. The sum of its longest and smallest numbers equals the
sum of the third number and 48. Find the third number?
Answer: 48
Explanation:
Let the numbers be 5x, 6x, 7x.
Largest number = 7x.
Smallest number = 5x.
Third number = 6x.
7x + 5x = 6x + 48
6x = 48 => third number is 48.

26. Income and expenditure of a person are in the ratio 5 : 4. If the income of the person is Rs.
18000, then find his savings.
Answer: Rs. 3600
Explanation:
Let the income and the expenditure of the person be Rs. 5x and Rs. 4x respectively.
Income, 5x = 18000 => x = 3600
Savings = Income - expenditure = 5x - 4x = x
So, savings = Rs. 3600.

27. An amount of Rs.1560 was divided among A, B and C, in the ratio 1/2 : 1/3 : 1/4. Find the
share of C?
Answer: Rs. 360
Explanation:
Let the shares of A, B and C be a, b and c respectively.
a : b : c = 1/2 : 1/3 : 1/4
Let us express each term with a common denominator which is the last number divisible by the
denominators of each term i.e., 12.
a : b : c = 6/12 : 4/12 : 3/12 = 6 : 4 : 3.
Share of C = 3/13 * 1560 = Rs. 360.

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28. The ratio of the earnings of P and Q is 9 : 10. If the earnings of P increases by one-fourth and
the earnings of Q decreases by one-fourth, then find the new ratio of their earnings?
Answer: 3 : 2
Explanation:
Let the earnings of P and Q be Rs. 9x and Rs. 10x respectively.
New ration = [9x + 1/4(9x)]/[10x - 1/4(10x)]
=> [9x(1 + 1/4)]/[10x(1 - 1/4)] = 9/10 * (5/4)/(3/4) => 3/2.

29. Amar, Bhavan and Chetan divide an amount of Rs. 5600 among themselves in the ratio 3 : 6 :
5. If an amount of Rs. 400 is deducted from each of their shares, what will be the new ratio of their
shares of the amount?
Answer: 2 : 5 : 4
Explanation:
Let the shares of Amar, Bhavan and Chetan be Rs. 3x, Rs. 6x and Rs. 5x respectively.
3x + 6x + 5x = 5600 => 14x = 5600 => x = 400.
Required ratio = 3x - 400 : 6x - 400 : 5x - 400
= 3x - x : 6x - x : 5x - x
= 2x : 5x : 4x => 2 : 5 : 4

30. The ratio of the present ages of Giri and Hari is 5 : 8. 12 years hence, the ratio of their ages will
be 11 : 14. Find the difference in their present ages?
Answer: 6 years
Explanation:
Let the present ages of Giri and Hari be 5x and 8x years respectively.
(5x + 12) / (8x + 12) = 11/14
70x + 168 = 88x + 132 => x= 2
Difference in their ages will be the same at all times.
This difference = Difference of their present ages
= 8x - 5x = 3x = 6 years.

31. In a fort, there are 1200 soldiers. If each soldier consumes 3 kg per day, the provisions
available in the fort will last for 30 days. If some more soldiers join, the provisions available will
last for 25 days given each soldier consumes 2.5 kg per day. Find the number of soldiers joining
the fort in that case?
Answer: 528
Explanation:
Assume X soldiers join the fort. 1200 soldiers have provision for 1200(days for which provisions
last them)(rate of consumption of each soldier)
= 1200(30)(3) kg
Also provisions available for (1200 + x) soldiers is (1200 + x)(25)(2.5) kg
As the same provisions are available
=1200(30)(3) = (1200 + x)(25)(2.5)
x = [1200(30)(3)]/[(25)(2.5)] - 1200
x = 528

32. 150 men consume 1050 kg of rice in 30 days. In how many days will 70 men consume 980 kg
of rice?
Answer: 60
Explanation:

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Rate of consumption of each man = 1050/(150 * 30) = 7/30 kg/day
Let us say 70 men take x days to consume 150 kg.
Quantity consumed by each item in x days = 7x/30 kg.
Quantity consumed by 70 men in x days = (7x/30)(70)kg
(7x/30)(70) = 980
x = (980 * 30)/490 => x = 60 days

33. If a : b = 4 : 1, then find (a - 3b)/(2a - b).

Answer: 1/7
Explanation:
a:b=4:1
a/b = 4/1 => a = 4b
(a - 3b)/(2a - b) = (4b - 3b)/[2(4b) - b]
= b/(8b - b) = b/7b => 1/7

34. If (x + y)/(2x + y) = 4/5, then find (2x + y)/(3x + y).

Answer: 5/6
Explanation:
(x + y)/(2x + y) = 4/5
5(x + y) = 4(2x + y) => 5x + 5y = 8x + 4y => y = 3x
(2x + y)/(3x + y) = (2x + 3x)/(3x + 3x) = 5x/6x = 5/6.

35. There are two positive numbers in the ratio 5 : 8. If the larger number exceeds the smaller by
15, then find the smaller number?
Answer: 25
Explanation:
Let the two positive numbers be 5x and 8x respectively.
8x - 5x = 15 => 3x = 15 => x = 5.
Smaller number = 5x = 25.

36. Find the numbers which are in the ratio 3:2:4 such that the sum of the first and the second
added to the difference of the third and the second is 21.
Answer: 9, 6, 12
Explanation:
Let the numbers be a, b and c.
a:b:c = 3:2:4
Given, (a + b) + (c - b) = 21
=> a + c = 21
=> 3x + 4x = 21 => x = 3
a, b, c are 3x, 2x, 4x
a, b, c are 9, 6, 12.

37. The ratio of two natural numbers is 5:6. If a certain number is added to both the numbers, the
ratio becomes 7:8. If the larger number exceeds the smaller number by 10, find the number added?
Answer: 20
Explanation:
Let the two numbers be 5x and 6x.
Let the number added to both so that their ratio becomes 7:8 be k.
(5x + k)/(6x + k) = 7/8
42x = 7k => k = 2x.

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6x - 5x = 10 => x = 10
k = 2x = 20.

38. Amar, Bhavan and Chetan divide an amount of Rs.5600 among themselves in the ratio 3:6:5. If
an amount of Rs.400 is deducted from each of their shares, what will be the new ratio of their
shares of the amount?
Answer: 2:5:4
Explanation:
Let the shares of Amar, Bhavan and Chetan be 3x, 6x and 5x respectively.
3x + 6x + 5x = 5600
14x = 5600 => x = 400
Required ratio = 3x - 400 : 6x - 400 : 5x - 400
= 3x - x : 6x - x : 5x - x
= 2x : 5x : 4x => 2:5:4

39. The ratio of the present ages of Giri and Hari is 5:8. 12 years hence, the ratio of their ages will
be 11:14. Find the difference in their present ages?
Answer: 6 years
Explanation:
Let the present ages of Giri and Hari be 5x and 8x years respectively.
(5x + 12)/(8x + 12) = 11/14
70x + 168 = 88x + 132 => x = 2
Difference in their ages will be the same at all times.
This difference = Difference of their present ages
=> 8x - 5x = 3x => 6 years

40. Three number are in the ratio 5:6:7. The sum of its largest and smallest numbers equals the sum
of the third number and 48. Find the third number?
Answer: 48
Explanation:
Let the numbers be 5x, 6x and 7x.
Largest number = 7x
Smallest number = 5x
Third number = 6x
7x + 5x = 6x + 48
6x = 48
Third number is: 48.

41. Income and expenditure of a person are in the ratio 5:4. If the income of the person is
Rs.18000, then find his savings?
Answer: Rs.3600
Explanation:
Let the income and the expenditure of the person be Rs.5x and Rs.4x respectively.
Income, 5x = 18000 => x = 3600
Savings = Income - expenditure = 5x - 4x = x
So, savings = Rs.3600.

42. If a:b = 4:1, then find (a - 3b)/(2a - b)?

Answer: 1/7
Explanation:

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a/b = 4/1 => a = 4b
(a - 3b)/(2a - b) = (4b - 3b)/(8b - b)
= b/7b => 1/7

43. If (x + y)/(2x + y) = 4/5, then find (2x + y)/(3x + y) ?

Answer: 5/6
Explanation:
(x + y)/(2x + y) = 4/5
=> 5x + 5y = 8x + 4y => y = 3x
Now, (2x + y)/(3x + y) = 5x/6x = 5/6.

44. There are two positive numbers in the ratio 5:8. If the larger number exceeds the smaller by 15,
then find the smaller number?
Answer: 25
Explanation:
Let the two positive numbers be 5x and 8x respectively.
8x - 5x = 15
3x = 15 => x = 5
=> Smaller number = 5x = 25.

45. An amount of Rs.1560 was divided among A, B and C in the ratio 1/2:1/3:1/4. Find the share
of C?
Answer: Rs.360
Explanation:
Let the shares of A, B and C be a, b and c respectively.
a:b:c = 1/2:1/3:1/4
a:b:c = 6/12:4/12:3:12 = 6:4:3
Share of C = 3/13 * 1560 = Rs.360.

46. The ratio of the earnings of P and Q is 9:10. If the earnings of P increases by one-fourth and the
earnings of Q decreases by one-fourth, then find the new ratio of their earnings?
Answer: 3:2
Explanation:
Let the earnings of P and Q be 9x and 10x respectively.
New ratio = [9x + 1/4 (9x)]/[10x - 1/4 (10x)]
=> 9*(1 + 1/4)/10*(1 - 1/4)
=> 9/10 * (5/4)/(3/4) = 3/2

47. 125 liters of a mixture of milk and water contains in the ratio 3:2. How much water should now
be added so that the ratio of milk and water becomes 3:4?
Answer: 50 liters
Explanation:
Milk = 3/5 * 125 = 75 liters
Water = 50 liters
75 : (50+P) = 3:4
150 + 3P = 400 => P = 50
50 liters of water are to be added for the ratio become 3:4.

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48. The food in a camp lasts for 30 men for 40 days. If ten more men join, how many days will the
food last?
Answer: 30 days
Explanation:
One man can consume the same food in 30*40 = 1200 days.
10 more men join, the total number of men = 40
The number of days the food will last = 1200/40 = 30 days.

49. 10 camels cost as much as 24 horses, 16 horses cost as much as 4 oxen and 6 oxen as much as
4 elephants. If the cost of 10 elephants is Rs.170000, find the cost of a camel?
Answer: Rs.6800
Explanation:
Cost of the camel = P
10 camels = 24 horses
16 horses = 4 oxen
6 oxen = 4 elephants
10 elephants = Rs.170000
P = Rs.[(24 * 4 * 4 * 170000)/(10 * 16 * 6 * 10)]
P = Rs.(65280000/9600) => P = Rs.6800

50. A contractor undertakes to complete the construction of a tunnel 720 meters long in 240 days
and employs 60 men for the purpose. After 120 days, he finds that only 240 meters of the tunnel is
complete. How many more men should be employ in order to complete the work in time?
Answer: 60 men
Explanation:
In 120days, only 240m of the tunnel is constructed by 60 men.
The remaining 120days, 480m of the tunnel can be constructed by 120 men.
Additional number of men required = 120 - 60 = 60 men.

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