Stumped by This Interview Puzzle: Can You Help Solve It?

Hi Friends, I'm looking for a change and attended an interview yesterday. They gave me a written test followed by a personal interview. I found a tricky question for which I need an answer. I'm eagerly waiting for the answer. Can anybody help?

Question

In a contest, Ramu was the highest 10th and the lowest 10th. How many participated in the contest?

Answer - ......................

Regards,
Srinath

I think there were 19 participants, and Ramu was in the 10th position. Therefore, before him, there would be 9 participants, with him being the 10th highest, and after him, again, there would be 9 participants, with him being the 10th lowest. 

Thank you!

Hi Srinath, there are 19 contestants altogether. Ramu is ranked 10th highest, which means there are 9 contestants before him; and 10th lowest means there are 9 contestants after him. So that makes 9 + 9 + Ramu = 19.

Thanks,
Peonka

The answer is no doubt 19, and the right way to calculate it is by using a simple math trick. Such questions can be solved by using this formula:

Left + Right - 1 = total number
or
Up + Down - 1 = total number.

The answer is indeed 19. The right way to calculate it is a simple mathematical trick. Use this formula:
    left + right - 1 = total number
    or
    up + down - 1 = total number.

In your question, Ramu is the highest 10th, which means either the left or the upside, and the lowest 10th means either the right side or the downside. Then use it in the formula now:
    10 + 10 - 1 = 19

This way, you can calculate any similar question.

Regards,
Sandeep