Math Problem Statement

Rs. 9,000 were divided equally among a certain number of persons. Had there been 20 more persons, each would have got Rs. 160 less. Find the original number of persons.

Solution

Let the original number of persons be xx.

Step 1: Formulate the equation

  • Total amount = 90009000
  • Share per person with xx persons: 9000x\frac{9000}{x}
  • If there were x+20x + 20 persons, share per person: 9000x+20\frac{9000}{x + 20}
  • Difference in share: 9000x9000x+20=160\frac{9000}{x} - \frac{9000}{x + 20} = 160

Step 2: Simplify the equation

9000x9000x+20=160\frac{9000}{x} - \frac{9000}{x + 20} = 160 Factor out 90009000: 9000(1x1x+20)=1609000 \left( \frac{1}{x} - \frac{1}{x + 20} \right) = 160 Simplify the fraction: 9000(x+20)xx(x+20)=1609000 \cdot \frac{(x + 20) - x}{x(x + 20)} = 160 900020x(x+20)=1609000 \cdot \frac{20}{x(x + 20)} = 160

Step 3: Solve for xx

Divide both sides by 20: 9000x(x+20)=8\frac{9000}{x(x + 20)} = 8 Multiply through by x(x+20)x(x + 20): 9000=8x(x+20)9000 = 8x(x + 20) Expand and simplify: 9000=8x2+160x9000 = 8x^2 + 160x Divide through by 8: 1125=x2+20x1125 = x^2 + 20x Rearrange into standard quadratic form: x2+20x1125=0x^2 + 20x - 1125 = 0

Step 4: Solve the quadratic equation

Use the quadratic formula: x=b±b24ac2ax = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} Here, a=1a = 1, b=20b = 20, c=1125c = -1125: x=20±2024(1)(1125)2(1)x = \frac{-20 \pm \sqrt{20^2 - 4(1)(-1125)}}{2(1)} x=20±400+45002x = \frac{-20 \pm \sqrt{400 + 4500}}{2} x=20±49002x = \frac{-20 \pm \sqrt{4900}}{2} x=20±702x = \frac{-20 \pm 70}{2} x=502orx=902x = \frac{50}{2} \quad \text{or} \quad x = \frac{-90}{2} x=25orx=45x = 25 \quad \text{or} \quad x = -45

Since xx must be positive, x=25x = 25.

Final Answer:

The original number of persons is 25.


Do you want a detailed explanation or further clarification?
Here are 5 related questions to explore further:

  1. What are the steps to solve a quadratic equation?
  2. How does dividing Rs. 9000 among people affect individual shares?
  3. Can we solve this problem graphically?
  4. What would happen if the additional persons were 30 instead of 20?
  5. How can quadratic equations be applied in other real-life scenarios?

Tip: Always check if your quadratic roots make sense in the context of the problem!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Quadratic Equations
Fractions

Formulas

Share per person = Total amount / Number of persons
Quadratic equation formula: ax^2 + bx + c = 0
Difference of fractions: (1/x - 1/(x + k))

Theorems

Quadratic formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10