Question

From 50 students taking examinations in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, each of the student has passed in at least one of the subject, 37 passed Mathematics, 24 Physics and 43 Chemistry. At most 19 passed Mathematics and Physics, at most 29 Mathematics and Chemistry and at most 20 Physics and Chemistry. What is the largest possible number that could have passed all three examination?

Answer 1

Let M be the set of students passing in Mathematics

P be the set of students passing in Physics

C be the set of students passing in Chemistry

Now, n(M ∪ P ∪ C) = 50

n(M) = 37

n(P) = 24

n(C) = 43

n(M ∩ P) ≤ 19

n(M ∩ C) ≤ 29

n(P ∩ C) ≤ 20      ...(Given)

n(M ∪ P ∪ C) = n(M) + n(P) + n(C) – n(M ∩ P) – n(M ∩ C) – n(P ∩ C) + n(M ∩ P ∩ C) ≤ 50

⇒ 37 + 24 + 43 – 19 – 29 – 20 + n(M ∩ P ∩ C) ≤ 50

⇒ n(M ∩ P ∩ C) ≤ 50 – 36

⇒ n(M ∩ P ∩ C) ≤ 14

Thus, the largest possible number that could have passed all the three examinations is 14.