Question

In a city, the current number of literate people is 25,000. If the number of literate males decreases by 5% and the number of literate females increases by 10%, the total literate population becomes 25,250. What is the present number of literate males in the city?

• A. 12,500
• B. 14,000
• C. 15,000
• D. 16,500

Answer 1

Answer:

C. 15,000

Let the present number of literate males be (M).

Then literate females (= 25{,}000 - M).

After changes:

• Males decrease by (5%):

0.95M

• Females increase by (10%):

$1.10(25{,}000 - M)$

New total population $(= 25{,}250)$

So,

$0.95M + 1.10(25{,}000 - M) = 25{,}250$

Expand:

$0.95M + 27{,}500 - 1.10M = 25{,}250$
$-0.15M + 27{,}500 = 25{,}250$
$-0.15M = -2{,}250$
$M = \frac{2250}{0.15} = 15{,}000$

So, the present number of literate males is:

$\boxed{15{,}000}$