Group Size Deduction

Group Size Deduction problems require finding the number of people in a group based on age constraints, sums, or averages. These problems test your ability to work with total sum and average relationships.

10Worksheets
200+Practice Questions
IntermediateDifficulty
2-3 hoursHours to Master

Introduction to Group Size Deduction

Group Size Deduction problems require finding the number of people in a group based on age constraints, sums, or averages. These problems test your ability to work with total sum and average relationships.

Prerequisites

Average formula Sum = Average × Count Integer constraints Logical deduction
Why This Matters: These problems appear in 1-2 questions in banking and SSC exams. They test basic arithmetic and logical deduction.

How to Solve Group Size Deduction Problems

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Step 1: Identify what is given (sum, average, or both)

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Step 2: Use the formula: Count = Sum ÷ Average

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Step 3: If sum is given without average, look for additional constraints

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Step 4: Count must be a positive integer

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Step 5: Sometimes sum and average are given indirectly

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Step 6: Use age constraints to narrow down possible counts

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Step 7: Verify that calculated count yields reasonable ages

Pro Strategy: Always remember Count = Sum/Average. If only sum is given, average must be deduced from other constraints.

Example Problem

Example: The average age of a group of people is 25 years. The total sum of their ages is 125 years. How many people are in the group? Solution: Step 1: Average = 25, Sum = 125 Step 2: Count = Sum ÷ Average = 125 ÷ 25 = 5 Answer: 5 people Example 2: The sum of ages of a family is 120 years. The average age is between 20 and 30. How many members could be there? Solution: Count = 120/Average. For average 20, count=6; avg 24, count=5; avg 30, count=4. Possible counts: 4, 5, 6.

Pro Tips & Tricks

  • Count must be an integer
  • Average = Sum/Count
  • Sum = Average × Count
  • If sum and average don't divide evenly, check if ages can be fractional
  • Typical family sizes range from 2 to 10
  • Use age reasonableness to eliminate extreme counts

Shortcut Methods to Solve Faster

n = S/A
A = S/n
S = A × n

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not ensuring count is integer
Forgetting that average can be fractional
Assuming count is unique when multiple possibilities exist
Misidentifying given sum or average

Exam Importance

Group Size Deduction is an important topic for various competitive exams. Here's how frequently it appears:

SSC CGL
1-2 questions
BANKING PO
1-2 questions
RAILWAYS RRB
1-2 questions
CAT
0-1 questions
INSURANCE
1-2 questions

Ready to Master Group Size Deduction?

Start with Worksheet 1 and work your way up to expert level! Each worksheet includes:

20 practice questions
Detailed solutions
Step-by-step explanations
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