Question

There are two types of employees in Sun Metals, general graduates and engineers. 40% of the employees in Sun Metals are general graduates, and 75% of the engineers earn more than Rs. 5 lakh/year. If 50% of the organisation’s employees earn more than Rs. 5 lakh/year, what proportion of the general graduates employed by the organisation earn Rs. 5 lakh or less?

• A. 3/5
• B. 3/4
• C. 1/2
• D. 2/5
• E. None of the above

Hint:

Always assume a base value (like 100x) when solving percentage distribution problems. This simplifies ratios and proportions.

Answer 1

Answer: (E)

Step 1: Assume total employees.
Let total employees = 100x.
Number of general graduates = 40% of 100x = 40x.
Number of engineers = 100x – 40x = 60x.
Step 2: Engineers earning more than 5 lakh.
75% of engineers earn more than 5 lakh.
So, engineers earning more than 5 lakh = 0.75 × 60x = 45x.
Step 3: Total employees earning more than 5 lakh.
Given = 50% of 100x = 50x.
Thus, general graduates earning more than 5 lakh = 50x – 45x = 5x.
Step 4: General graduates earning 5 lakh or less.
Total general graduates = 40x.
Less than or equal to 5 lakh = 40x – 5x = 35x.
Step 5: Proportion.
Required proportion = 35x / 40x = 7/8. \[ \boxed{\tfrac{7}{8}} \] This is not among the given options, so the correct choice is (E) None of the above.