ACT Math · Probability and counting

Of 50 students, 30 play soccer, 25 play basketball, and 10 play both sports. How many students play neither sport?

Of 50 students, 30 play soccer, 25 play basketball, and 10 play both sports. How many students play neither sport?

Answer and explanation

Answer: A: 5

Use the inclusion-exclusion idea. Students who play at least one sport number 30+25−10=4530+25-10=45, where the 1010 who play both are subtracted so they are not counted twice. The students who play neither number 50−45=550-45=5, choice A. Choice D (4545) is the number who play at least one sport, not neither. Choice B (1010) is the number who play both. Choice C (1515) is 30−1530-15 or a similar slip. A Venn diagram helps: 2020 play only soccer, 1515 play only basketball, 1010 play both, and 55 play neither, which totals 5050.

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