Final answer:
The answer is found by checking if each total number of swimmers can maintain a ratio of 3/5 of advanced to novice swimmers. Only the total that is not divisible by 8 (the sum of the ratio terms) is not possible. Therefore, the only option that is not possible is 62 (option c).
Step-by-step explanation:
The question involves finding which total number of swimmers is not possible based on the given ratio of advanced swimmers to novice swimmers. We know that the ratio is 3/5. For this ratio to be maintained, the total number of swimmers at the camp must be divisible by the sum of the terms in the ratio, which is 3+5=8. We can now check each option:
- For (a) 24 swimmers: 24 ÷ 8 = 3, which is a whole number, so it is possible.
- For (b) 40 swimmers: 40 ÷ 8 = 5, which is a whole number, so it is possible.
- For (c) 62 swimmers: 62 ÷ 8 = 7.75, which is not a whole number, so it is not possible.
- For (d) 80 swimmers: 80 ÷ 8 = 10, which is a whole number, so it is possible.
Therefore, option (c) 62 is the only total number of swimmers that is not possible with the given ratio of advanced to novice swimmers.