CAT 2018 Slot 1 QA Question 29: In an examination, the maximum possible score is N while the pass mark is 45% of N. A candidate obtains 36 marks, but falls short of the pass mark by 68%. Which one of the following is then correct?

Question

In an examination, the maximum possible score is N while the pass mark is 45% of N. A candidate obtains 36 marks, but falls short of the pass mark by 68%. Which one of the following is then correct?

Accepted Answer

The candidate falls short of the pass mark by 68%, so 36 marks is 32% of the pass mark.
Pass mark $=\dfrac{36}{0.32} = 112.5$
The pass mark is 45% of N.
$0.45N = 112.5$
$N = 250$
Therefore, N lies in the range $243 \leq N \leq 252$.