Multiple-choice examination scoring correction

XAT 2026 · Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation · Easy · Algebra

In a multiple-choice examination, there are 20 questions. Each correct answer is worth 4 marks, while 2 marks are to be deducted for every wrong answer. Further, 1 mark is to be deducted for every unattempted question. One student receives a total of 46 marks in the examination. However, before releasing the marks, the professor realizes that she has, by mistake, deducted 2 marks for every unattempted question and 1 mark for every wrong answer.

After correction, how many marks will the student get?

  1. A.

    42

  2. B.

    44

  3. C.

    48

  4. D.

    46

  5. E.

    49

Answer

C

Explanation

Let xx be correct, yy be wrong, and zz be unattempted questions. x+y+z=20  ⟹  z=20−(x+y)x + y + z = 20 \implies z = 20 - (x+y).

Mistaken score formula: 4x−y−2z=464x - y - 2z = 46. 4x−y−2(20−x−y)=46  ⟹  6x+y−40=46  ⟹  6x+y=864x - y - 2(20 - x - y) = 46 \implies 6x + y - 40 = 46 \implies 6x + y = 86. Since x+y≤20x + y \le 20 and x,y≥0x, y \ge 0 integers: x=14  ⟹  y=2  ⟹  z=4x = 14 \implies y = 2 \implies z = 4.

Correct score formula: 4x−2y−z=5x−y−204x - 2y - z = 5x - y - 20. Substituting x=14,y=2x = 14, y = 2: Correct marks =4(14)−2(2)−4=56−4−4=48= 4(14) - 2(2) - 4 = 56 - 4 - 4 = 48.

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