Maths : Basic Numeracy

Q 334 / 370

UPSC CSE Prelims 2015

The monthly incomes of Peter and Paul are in the ratio of 4:3. Their expenses are in the ratio of 3 : 2. If each saves Rs 6,000 at the end of the month, their monthly incomes respectively are (in`)

EXPLANATION

Correct Option

Let the monthly income of Peter be 4x and Paul be 3x, based on their income ratio of 4:3.

Let the monthly expenses of Peter be 3y and Paul be 2y, based on their expense ratio of 3:2.

Given that each saves Rs 6,000 at the end of the month, we can form the following equations:

For Peter: Income - Expenses = Savings

4x - 3y = 6000 (Equation 1)

For Paul: Income - Expenses = Savings

3x - 2y = 6000 (Equation 2)

To solve this system of linear equations, multiply Equation 1 by 3 and Equation 2 by 4 to eliminate x:

(4x−3y=6000)×3⟹12x−9y=18000

(3x−2y=6000)×4⟹12x−8y=24000

Subtract the first modified equation from the second modified equation:

(12x−8y)−(12x−9y)=24000−18000

12x−8y−12x+9y=6000

y=6000

Substitute the value of y into Equation 1:

4x−3(6000)=6000

4x−18000=6000

4x=6000+18000

4x=24000

x=240004

x=6000

Now, calculate their monthly incomes:

  • Peter's monthly income = 4x = 4 × 6000 = Rs 24,000
  • Paul's monthly income = 3x = 3 × 6000 = Rs 18,000

Thus, their monthly incomes are Rs 24,000 and Rs 18,000 respectively.

Incorrect Options

Options 2, 3, and 4 are incorrect because the income values provided in these options do not satisfy the given conditions of the problem, specifically the income and expense ratios, and the constant savings of Rs 6,000 for both individuals, when subjected to the same system of linear equations derived from the problem statement.