Anita's mathematics test had 70 problems carrying equal marks i.e., 10 arithmetic, 30 algebra and 30 geometry. Although she answered 70% of the arithmetic, 40% of the algebra and 60% of the geometry problems correctly, she did not pass the test because she got less than 60% marks. The number of more questions she would have to answer correctly to earn a 60% passing marks is:
Answer & explanation
Answer: (b) 5
She answered 7 + 12 + 18 = 37 problems correctly, while a pass needs 60% of 70 = 42. She needed 5 more correct answers.
- Correct answers: 70% of 10 = 7; 40% of 30 = 12; 60% of 30 = 18. Total = 37.
- Pass mark: 60% of 70 = 42 questions.
- More needed: 42 − 37 = 5.
Remember · With equal marks per question, turn every percentage into a count of questions and compare counts.
Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper II (2016, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). ·