Math Problem Statement

There are 50 students in an auditorium, of which 2x are boys and y are girls. After (y-6) boys leave the auditorium and (2x-5) girls enter the auditorium, the probability of selecting a girl at random becomes 9/13. Find the value of x and y.

Solution

We are given that the total number of students in the auditorium is 50, where there are 2x2x boys and yy girls.

Step 1: Express the total number of students as an equation

2x+y=502x + y = 50

After (y6)(y-6) boys leave and (2x5)(2x-5) girls enter, the new number of boys and girls are:

  • New number of boys = 2x(y6)=2xy+62x - (y - 6) = 2x - y + 6
  • New number of girls = y+(2x5)=y+2x5y + (2x - 5) = y + 2x - 5

Thus, the new total number of students: (2xy+6)+(y+2x5)=4x+1(2x - y + 6) + (y + 2x - 5) = 4x + 1

Step 2: Set up the probability equation

The probability of selecting a girl at random after the changes is given as:

New number of girlsNew total number of students=913\frac{\text{New number of girls}}{\text{New total number of students}} = \frac{9}{13}

Substituting values:

y+2x54x+1=913\frac{y + 2x - 5}{4x + 1} = \frac{9}{13}

Step 3: Solve for xx and yy

Equation 1:

2x+y=502x + y = 50

Equation 2 (Cross multiplying in the probability equation):

13(y+2x5)=9(4x+1)13(y + 2x - 5) = 9(4x + 1)

Expanding: 13y+26x65=36x+913y + 26x - 65 = 36x + 9

Rearrange: 13y+26x36x=65+913y + 26x - 36x = 65 + 9

13y10x=7413y - 10x = 74

Step 4: Solve the system of equations

  1. 2x+y=502x + y = 50
  2. 13y10x=7413y - 10x = 74

From equation (1), express yy in terms of xx:

y=502xy = 50 - 2x

Substituting in equation (2):

13(502x)10x=7413(50 - 2x) - 10x = 74

65026x10x=74650 - 26x - 10x = 74

65036x=74650 - 36x = 74

576=36x576 = 36x

x=16x = 16

Substituting x=16x = 16 in y=502xy = 50 - 2x:

y=5032=18y = 50 - 32 = 18

Final Answer:

x=16,y=18\boxed{x = 16, y = 18}

Would you like a detailed verification? Here are five related questions to explore:

  1. How do you find the probability of selecting a student of a specific group?
  2. What happens if a different number of students leave and enter?
  3. How can probability equations be used in real-world applications?
  4. What if the probability had been given as a different fraction?
  5. How can we verify the correctness of the final solution?

Tip: Always double-check your algebraic manipulations to avoid calculation mistakes!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Systems of Linear Equations
Probability

Formulas

Probability = (Number of girls) / (Total number of students)
System of equations: 2x + y = 50, 13(y + 2x - 5) = 9(4x + 1)

Theorems

Basic Probability Theorem
Solving Linear Systems

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11