UPSC Prelims 2004·GS1·economy·basic concepts

50 men or 80 women can finish a job in, 50 days. A contractor deploys 40 men and 48 women for this work, but after every duration of 10 days, 5 men and 8 women are removed till the work is completed. The work is completed in:

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Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. A45 days
  2. B50 daysCorrect
  3. C54 days
  4. D62 days

Explanation

First, establish the efficiency ratio: 50 men = 80 women, so 5 men = 8 women. Total work = 50 men x 50 days = 2500 man-days. Day 1-10: 40 men + 48 women (= 30 men) = 70 men equivalent. Work = 700 units. Day 11-20: 35 men + 40 women (= 25 men) = 60 men equivalent. Work = 600 units. Day 21-30: 30 men + 32 women (= 20 men) = 50 men equivalent. Work = 500 units. Day 31-40: 25 men + 24 women (= 15 men) = 40 men equivalent. Work = 400 units. Total after 40 days = 700 + 600 + 500 + 400 = 2200 units. Remaining = 300 units. Day 41 onwards: 20 men + 16 women (= 10 men) = 30 men equivalent. Time = 300/30 = 10 days. Total time = 40 + 10 = 50 days.
economy: 50 men or 80 women can finish a job in, 50 days. A contractor deploys 40 men and 48 women for this work, but after every

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