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

Hi Friends
I'm looking for a change and attended interview yesterday, they gave me written test followed by personal interview, I found a tricky question for which i need answer, I'm eagerly waiting for the answer can any body help...
Qtn - In a Contest Ramu was highest 10th and lowest 10th how many participated in a contest.
Ans - ......................
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 ans is indeed 19... the right way to calculate is a simple mathematical trick... use dis formula....
left+right -1 = total no. or
up + down -1= total no.
in your question ramu is highest 10 means either left or up side... n lowest ten means either right side or down side... then use it in d formula now...
10+10-1=19
this way u can calculate any similar question...
regards
sandeep