Question

On a plane, there are British, French, and Spanish passengers. 2/5 of the passengers were British, 35% of the passengers were French, There are also 60 Spanish passengers. Find the total number of passengers. You must show all your workings.

Answer 1

Answer: 240

Explanation:

Let's denote the total number of passengers on the plane as "P."

Given the information:

2/5 of the passengers were British: (2/5)P

35% of the passengers were French: 0.35P

There are 60 Spanish passengers: 60

The total number of passengers can be expressed as the sum of passengers from each nationality:

Total Passengers = British Passengers + French Passengers + Spanish Passengers

Total Passengers = (2/5)P + 0.35P + 60

Now, we can solve for the total number of passengers (P):

Total Passengers = (2/5)P + 0.35P + 60

To combine the fractions, we can find a common denominator. The common denominator of 5 and 100 is 100, so let's convert 2/5 to a fraction with a denominator of 100:

(2/5)P = (2/5) * (20/20) * P = (40/100)P

Now, the equation becomes:

Total Passengers = (40/100)P + 0.35P + 60

Combine the two fractions:

Total Passengers = (40/100)P + (35/100)P + 60

Total Passengers = (75/100)P + 60

Now, we can simplify the fraction:

Total Passengers = (3/4)P + 60

We know that the total number of passengers is equal to P:

P = (3/4)P + 60

Subtract (3/4)P from both sides:

(1/4)P = 60

Now, isolate P by multiplying both sides by 4:

P = 4 * 60

P = 240

So, the total number of passengers on the plane is 240.