Analyzing State B Population Data

The question requires us to find the total population of State B based on the provided table data and a specific condition about the male population in the 10+2 education category.

Extracting Relevant Data for State B

From the table description, we can gather the following information for State B:

• Percentage of total population in the 10+2 category: 50%
• Proportion of Males and Females (Sex Ratio) for State B: 5 ∶ 5

We are also given:

• Male population in the 10+2 category in State B: 2 million

Interpreting the Sex Ratio for State B

The sex ratio for State B is given as 5 ∶ 5, which simplifies to 1 ∶ 1. This means that for every male in State B, there is one female. While this ratio is given for the state as a whole, the problem provides a specific figure for the male population *within the 10+2 category*. This implies we should use the state's sex ratio to determine the female population within that same education category.

Assuming the 1:1 sex ratio applies to the population within the 10+2 category:

\(\text{Male population in 10+2} : \text{Female population in 10+2} = 1 : 1\)

Since the male population in the 10+2 category is 2 million, the female population in the 10+2 category must also be 2 million.

Calculating the Total Population in the 10+2 Category

The total population within the 10+2 education category in State B is the sum of the male and female populations in that category:

\(\text{Total population (10+2)} = \text{Male population (10+2)} + \text{Female population (10+2)}\)

\(\text{Total population (10+2)} = 2 \text{ million} + 2 \text{ million} = 4 \text{ million}\)

Calculating the Total Population of State B

According to the table, the population in the 10+2 category constitutes 50% of the total population of State B. Let \(P_{\text{Total}}\) represent the total population of State B.

We can write this relationship as an equation:

\(50\% \text{ of } P_{\text{Total}} = \text{Population in 10+2 category}\)

\(0.50 \times P_{\text{Total}} = 4 \text{ million}\)

To find the total population \(P_{\text{Total}}\), we divide the population in the 10+2 category by its percentage representation of the total population:

\(P_{\text{Total}} = \frac{4 \text{ million}}{0.50}\)

\(P_{\text{Total}} = 8 \text{ million}\)

Therefore, the total population of State B is 8 million.

Revision Table: Summary of State B Calculation Steps

Additional Information: Understanding Data Tables

Data interpretation questions often rely on understanding how different pieces of information in a table relate to each other. Key points to remember:

• Pay close attention to headings and footnotes in the table.
• Understand what the percentages are based on (e.g., percentage of total, percentage of a subcategory).
• Ensure ratios are applied to the correct population segment.
• Sometimes, information from multiple columns or even external data (like the given 2 million figure) must be combined.
• Practice converting percentages, ratios, and absolute numbers.