The total number of students on the two buses is 70.
Let's denote the total number of students as T. According to the information given:
- 40% of students are on a smaller bus.
- 100% - 40% = 60% of students are on the large bus.
We know there are 42 students on the large bus. We can set up an equation to find the total number of students:
![\[ 60\% \text{ of } T = 42 \]](https://img.qammunity.org/2024/formulas/mathematics/high-school/y0f394ngxyp6801nvffsq7yjpza8xp1w6q.png)
0.6T = 42
Now, solve for T:
![\[ T = (42)/(0.6) \]](https://img.qammunity.org/2024/formulas/mathematics/high-school/dza12si1z5gmm4myw4t8ucyliedbyzj18d.png)
T = 70
So, the total number of students on the two buses is 70.