UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Percentage is calculated by dividing the obtained marks by the maximum marks and then multiplying by 100. Here the student’s score is 40 out of 80, so the fraction is 40 ÷ 80 = 1/2. Converting this fraction to a percentage gives (1/2) × 100 = 50%. Therefore, the student has obtained half of the total marks, which is 50%.

Option A:
Option A, 40%, would be correct if the student had scored 40 out of 100, but the total here is only 80. It fails to account for the correct denominator in the percentage calculation.

Option B:
Option B, 45%, has no direct basis in the ratio 40 : 80 and likely arises from a guess or miscalculation. It does not correspond to any simple fraction equivalent of 1/2.

Option C:
Option C, 55%, would indicate that the student scored slightly more than half, but numerically 40 is exactly half of 80, not more. Thus, it is not consistent with the actual score.

Option D:
Option D matches the exact fraction of marks obtained relative to the total. By correctly applying the formula (obtained/total) × 100, we arrive at 50%, which accurately represents the student’s performance.

A percentage is a way of expressing a number as a fraction of 100, using the symbol "%". For example, 25% represents 25 out of 100, which is equivalent to 1/4. In aptitude problems, percentages are used to describe profit, loss, marks and many other comparisons. Therefore, the process of expressing a quantity as a fraction of 100 is exactly the definition of percentage.

Option A:
A fraction represents a part of a whole and can have any denominator, not necessarily 100. While every percentage can be written as a fraction, not every fraction is expressed with denominator 100. The question specifically mentions "fraction of 100," which is more precise than the general idea of a fraction. Hence, this option is not fully accurate.

Option B:
A ratio compares two quantities, but it does not require that one of them be 100. For instance, 3:5 is a ratio, yet it is not expressed per hundred. Thus, although percentages are related to ratios, the question is looking for the more specific term that involves 100 as the base.

Option C:
Percentage is correct because it directly means "per hundred," indicating how many parts out of 100 a quantity represents. Converting marks into percentages, such as 80 out of 100 being 80%, is a standard example. This concept is central to many UGC NET Paper 1 numerical questions on growth rates, scores and comparisons.

Option D:
Average is the central value of a set of numbers and is commonly found by dividing the sum of observations by the number of observations. It does not involve expressing quantities as a fraction of 100. Therefore, average is unrelated to the description in the question and cannot be the correct answer.