In a pond there are 600 fish, 35% of which are male. If each male can mate with any female and each fish can belong to only one pair, how many distinct male–female pairs can be formed?
Answer
210
The correct answer is 210 — Therefore, 210 distinct male–female pairs can be formed.
Step-by-step solution
- Find number of male fish: 35% of 600 = 0.35 × 600 = 210.
- Find number of female fish: 600 – 210 = 390.
- Since each pair requires one male and one female and each fish can belong to only one pair, the maximum number of pairs equals the number of males.
- Therefore, 210 distinct male–female pairs can be formed.
Common mistake: Using the number of females instead of males
Concept tested: Pairing in asexual reproduction
Published · How this solution was prepared and checked
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