A student got twice as many sums wrong as he got right. If he attempted 48 sums in all, how many did he solve correctly?

Options

A. 12
B. 16
C. 24
D. 18

Explanation

To solve the problem step by step, we can follow these instructions:

### Step 1: Define Variables
Let \( x \) be the number of sums that the student solved correctly. According to the problem, the number of sums he got wrong is twice the number he got right. Therefore, the number of sums he got wrong can be represented as \( 2x \).

**Hint:** Define variables to represent unknown quantities in the problem.

### Step 2: Set Up the Equation
The total number of sums attempted by the student is given as 48. We can express this as:
\[ x + 2x = 48 \]
This equation combines the sums solved correctly and the sums solved incorrectly.

**Hint:** Use the information given in the problem to create an equation.

### Step 3: Simplify the Equation
Now, simplify the equation:
\[ 3x = 48 \]

**Hint:** Combine like terms to simplify the equation.

### Step 4: Solve for \( x \)
To find \( x \), divide both sides of the equation by 3:
\[ x = \frac{48}{3} = 16 \]

**Hint:** Isolate the variable by performing the same operation on both sides of the equation.

### Step 5: Conclusion
The number of sums that the student solved correctly is \( 16 \).

**Hint:** Always check back with the problem to ensure your solution makes sense.

### Final Answer
The student solved **16 sums** correctly.