Averages and Inequality Bounds

CAT 2023 Slot 1 · QA · Medium · Arithmetic

In an examination, the average marks of 4 girls and 6 boys is 24. Each of the girls has the same marks while each of the boys has the same marks. If the marks of any girl is at most double the marks of any boy, but not less than the marks of any boy, then the number of possible distinct integer values of the total marks of 2 girls and 6 boys is

  1. A.

    19

  2. B.

    21

  3. C.

    20

  4. D.

    22

Answer

B

Explanation

Let gg be the marks of a girl and bb be the marks of a boy. Total marks: 4g+6b=10×24=240    2g+3b=1204g + 6b = 10 \times 24 = 240 \implies 2g + 3b = 120.

Given condition: bg2bb \le g \le 2b.

Total marks of 2 girls and 6 boys, T=2g+6b=(2g+3b)+3b=120+3bT = 2g + 6b = (2g + 3b) + 3b = 120 + 3b.

Using 2g=1203b2g = 120 - 3b:

  1. gb    1203b2b    1203b2b    5b120    b24g \ge b \implies \frac{120 - 3b}{2} \ge b \implies 120 - 3b \ge 2b \implies 5b \le 120 \implies b \le 24.
  2. g2b    1203b22b    1203b4b    7b120    b120717.14g \le 2b \implies \frac{120 - 3b}{2} \le 2b \implies 120 - 3b \le 4b \implies 7b \ge 120 \implies b \ge \frac{120}{7} \approx 17.14.

Now, range of T=120+3bT = 120 + 3b:

  • Minimum T=120+3(1207)=120+51.42=171.42T = 120 + 3\left(\frac{120}{7}\right) = 120 + 51.42 = 171.42
  • Maximum T=120+3(24)=192T = 120 + 3(24) = 192

Since TT takes integer values, the possible integer values are from 172172 to 192192 inclusive. Number of integer values =192172+1=21= 192 - 172 + 1 = 21.

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