Tin Tin’s teaser tizzy

By

KT Rajagopal

The question:

It was Tin Tin’s birthday. All the characters were there – Professor Calculus, Madame Castafiore, Thomson, Thompson, Captain Haddock and several others.

The party went on until after midnight. Captain Haddock had, as usual, one drink too many and passed out.

In time, the party was over. Everyone shook hands with everyone else. Though sleepy, Snowy counted the handshakes. As they were about to leave, Captain Haddock woke up and shook hands with the ladies present.

Snowy had counted 31 handshakes. What percentage of the people who had attended the party were women?

(a) 25           (b) 20           (c) 37.5                  (d) 33.33      (e) 40   

It is a tough one.

Would you like a hint?

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