UPSC Prelims 2019·CSAT·Quantitative Aptitude·Arithmetic

When a runner was crossing the 12 km mark, she was informed that she had completed only 80% of the race. How many kilometres was the runner supposed to run in this event?

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Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. A14
  2. B15Correct
  3. C16
  4. D16.5

Explanation

Explanation: The runner has completed 12 km, which represents 80% of the total race distance. To find the total distance (100%), we can set up a proportion or calculate the value of 1%. If 80% of the race = 12 km, Then 1% of the race = 12 km / 80. So, 100% of the race = (12 / 80) * 100 km. This simplifies to (12 / 0.8) km = 15 km. Therefore, the runner was supposed to run 15 kilometres in this event. Analysis of Options: A) 14: If the total distance were 14 km, 12 km would be (12/14) * 100% which is approximately 85.7%, not 80%. B) 15: Correct. 12 km is exactly 80% of 15 km (12/15 = 0.8 = 80%). C) 16: If the total distance were 16 km, 12 km would be (12/16) * 100% which is 75%, not 80%. D) 16.5: If the total distance were 16.5 km, 12 km would be (12/16.5) * 100% which is approximately 72.7%, not 80%.
Quantitative Aptitude: When a runner was crossing the 12 km mark, she was informed that she had completed only 80% of the race. How many kilome

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