PSLE
At first, the ratio of the number of boys to the number of girls in a kindergarten was 7 : 2. After 24 boys and 24 girls left the kindergarten, the ratio became 5 : 1.

1. Did the percentage of pupils who were boys increase (1), decrease (2) or remain the same (3)? Give your answer in number. (Eg Increase = 1)
2. At first, how many pupils were there in the kindergarten?

	Girls	Boys	Difference	Total
Before	2x4 = 8 u	7x4  = 28 u	5x4 = 20 u	8 u + 28 u = 36 u
Change	- 24	- 24
After	1x5 = 5 u	5x5 = 25 u	4x5 = 20 u	5 u + 25 u = 30 u

(a)
24 boys and 24 girls left the kindergarten. There was equal number of boys and girls who left the kindergarten.

Since the decrease in number of pupils in both groups is the same, the difference between the number of boys and girls remains unchanged.

We make the difference between the number of boys and girls at first and in the end the same.
LCM of 5 and 4 = 20 u

Percent of pupils who were boys at first
= ²⁸₃₆ x 100%
≈ 78% (Round off to whole number.)

Percent of pupils who are boys in the end
= ²⁵₃₀ x 100%
≈ 83% (Round off to whole number.)

Percent of pupils who were boys increased from 78% to 83%. (1)

(b)
Decrease in the number of boys
= 25 u - 28 u
= 3 u

3 u = 24

1 u = 24 ÷ 3 = 8

Number of pupils at first
= 36 u
= 36 x 8
= 288

Answer(s): (a) 1; (b) 288