Question

In an examination, 25% of the candidates failed to obtain the pass mark. The number of candidates who passed was 150. Calculate the total number of candidates.

a. 50 candidates
b. 100 candidates
c. 200 candidates
d. 600 candidates

Answer 1

To determine the total number of candidates, divide the number of candidates who passed (150) by the pass rate as a decimal (0.75). The total number of candidates is 200.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the total number of candidates in an examination where 25% failed and 150 people passed, we need to use a simple percentage calculation. If 25% of candidates failed, that means that 75% of the candidates passed because 100% - 25% = 75%. The 150 candidates who passed represent this 75%. To find out the total, we divide the number of candidates who passed by the percentage they represent in decimal form, so we do 150 ÷ 0.75.

The calculation is as follows:

1. Convert the pass percentage to decimal: 75% = 0.75.
2. Divide the number of passed candidates by the decimal: 150 ÷ 0.75 = 200.

Therefore, the total number of candidates is 200.