A maths exam is marked out of 120. Passing mark is 40 %. What are the marks required for passing?

(a). 48

(b). 110

(c). 54

(d). 72

To determine the marks required to pass the maths exam, we first need to calculate what 40% of the total marks is. The exam is marked out of 120, so we can find 40% of that total. Let's break it down step by step.

Calculating the Passing Marks

To find 40% of 120, we can use the formula for percentage:

• Percentage = (Part/Whole) × 100

In this case, we want to find the "Part" that corresponds to 40% of the "Whole," which is 120. We can set up the calculation as follows:

Step 1: Convert Percentage to Decimal

First, convert 40% into a decimal:

• 40% = 40/100 = 0.4

Step 2: Multiply by Total Marks

Next, multiply this decimal by the total marks:

• 0.4 × 120 = 48

Conclusion on Passing Marks

Thus, the marks required to pass the exam is 48. Now, let’s look at the options provided:

• (a) 48
• (b) 110
• (c) 54
• (d) 72

From the calculations, the correct answer is (a) 48. This means that to pass the exam, a student needs to score at least 48 marks out of 120.

Understanding the Importance of Percentages

Percentages are a crucial concept in mathematics, as they allow us to understand proportions and comparisons easily. In this case, knowing how to calculate a percentage helps us determine the minimum score needed to achieve a passing grade. This skill is not only useful in academics but also in real-life situations, such as understanding discounts, interest rates, and statistics.