Maths : Basic Numeracy

Q 290 / 370

UPSC CSE Prelims 2016

The total emoluments of two persons are the same, but one gets allowances to the extent of 65% of his basic pay and the other gets allowances to the extent of 80% of his basic pay. The ratio of the basic pay of the former to the basic pay of the latter is:

EXPLANATION

Correct Option

Let the basic pay of the former person be x₁ and the basic pay of the latter person be x₂.

The former person receives allowances equivalent to 65% of their basic pay. Therefore, the total emoluments for the former person are calculated as:

=x1+65100x1=165100x1

The latter person receives allowances equivalent to 80% of their basic pay. Consequently, the total emoluments for the latter person are:

=x2+80100x2=180100x2

As per the problem statement, the total emoluments of both persons are identical. Thus, we can equate their total emoluments:

165100x1=180100x2

To determine the ratio of the basic pay of the former to the basic pay of the latter (x1:x2), we rearrange the equation:

x1x2=180100×100165=1211

Therefore, the ratio of the basic pay of the former to the basic pay of the latter is 12:11.

Incorrect Options

Options (1) 16:13, (2) 5:4, and (3) 7:5 are incorrect. These ratios do not satisfy the condition that the total emoluments of both individuals are equal, given that their allowances are 65% and 80% of their respective basic pays. The accurate calculation, derived from equating the total emoluments, demonstrates that a ratio of 12:11 is necessary for the stated condition to hold true.