Final answer:
The number of boys in the graduating class is found by setting up and solving an algebraic equation based on the information provided. Subtracting the excess from the total and dividing by two, the solution is 122 boys.
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve the question how many boys are in the class, we can set up an equation based on the information given. Let the number of boys be represented by x, and the number of girls, which is 206 more than boys, be x + 206. We know that the total number of students in the class is 450. So, the equation will be x (boys) + x + 206 (girls) = 450.
Combining like terms gives us 2x + 206 = 450. Subtracting 206 from both sides, we get 2x = 244. Dividing both sides by 2, we find x = 122. Therefore, there are 122 boys in the graduating class. The correct answer is (a) 122.