Understanding the University Entrance Exam Data

The question asks us to analyze data from a table showing the number of candidates who appeared and qualified for a university entrance examination over five years (2016 to 2020) across four different categories: BSc, BA, MSc, and MA. The numbers are given in thousands.

We need to find the difference in the total number of non-qualified candidates between the years 2018 and 2019. Non-qualified candidates in any year for a specific category are calculated by subtracting the number of qualified candidates from the number of appeared candidates.

Calculating Non-Qualified Candidates

The number of non-qualified candidates for a specific category in a given year is found using the formula:

$$ \text{Non-qualified} = \text{Appeared} - \text{Qualified} $$

Let's calculate the number of non-qualified candidates for each category in the years 2018 and 2019.

Non-Qualified Candidates in 2018 (in thousands)

• BSc: $$ 4.2 - 2.1 = 2.1 $$
• BA: $$ 7.2 - 2.8 = 4.4 $$
• MSc: $$ 2.2 - 1.2 = 1.0 $$
• MA: $$ 4.6 - 2.5 = 2.1 $$

Total non-qualified candidates in 2018:

$$ 2.1 + 4.4 + 1.0 + 2.1 = 9.6 \text{ thousand} $$

Non-Qualified Candidates in 2019 (in thousands)

• BSc: $$ 4.8 - 2.3 = 2.5 $$
• BA: $$ 6.8 - 2.6 = 4.2 $$
• MSc: $$ 2.5 - 1.2 = 1.3 $$
• MA: $$ 4.9 - 2.7 = 2.2 $$

Total non-qualified candidates in 2019:

$$ 2.5 + 4.2 + 1.3 + 2.2 = 10.2 \text{ thousand} $$

Finding the Difference

Now, we need to find the difference between the total non-qualified candidates in 2019 and 2018.

Difference $$ = \text{Total Non-qualified 2019} - \text{Total Non-qualified 2018} $$

Difference $$ = 10.2 - 9.6 = 0.6 \text{ thousand} $$

Since the data is in thousands, we convert 0.6 thousand to the actual number:

$$ 0.6 \times 1000 = 600 $$

So, the difference between non-qualified candidates from the years 2018 and 2019 for all categories is 600.

Revision Table - Entrance Exam Data Analysis

Additional Information - Data Interpretation Tips

When tackling data interpretation questions involving tables, here are some useful tips:

• Read the Question Carefully: Understand exactly what is being asked (e.g., total, difference, ratio, percentage, specific years, specific categories).
• Understand the Units: Pay attention to whether the data is in units, thousands, lakhs, millions, percentages, etc., and convert as needed for the final answer.
• Scan the Table: Get a general sense of the data, the rows, and the columns.
• Identify Relevant Data: Highlight or note down the specific numbers needed for the calculation based on the question.
• Break Down Complex Calculations: If the question involves multiple steps (like calculating non-qualified for each category and then summing), break it down into smaller, manageable steps.
• Be Careful with Arithmetic: Double-check your additions, subtractions, multiplications, and divisions.
• Check Options: Look at the options given. This can sometimes help you estimate or verify your result.

In this problem, identifying 'non-qualified candidates' and focusing on the years 2018 and 2019 for 'all categories' were key steps.