Question

Nandini makes 'halwa' one evening and divides it into four equal portions for her family of four. However, just as they are about to eat it, an unexpected guest arrives and Nandini has to now re-divide the halwa into five equal portions. By what percentage has each family member's share reduced due to this? A. 5% B. 10% C. 20% D. 25%

Answer 1

5%

Explanation:

Total 'halwa' made = 1

Divided into four equal portion = 1/4

Arrival of an unexpected guest = 1/5

By what percentage has each family member's share been reduced:

Change in the sharing proportion:

Previous share ratio - new sharing ratio

(1/4 - 1/5) = (5 - 4) / 20 = 1/20

That means total reduction in the sharing = 1/ 20

Since each member comes contributed equally:

Reduction in each family member's share ;

(1 / 20) ÷ 4

(1 / 20) * 1/4 = 1/ 80

Percentage reduction:

(Reduction / original share) * 100%

[(1/80) ÷ (1/4)] * 100

(1/80 * 4/1) * 100%

(1/20) * 100%

= 5%

Reduction in each family members share = 5%