In village B, the number of females was what percent less than the number of males ?

In village B,

Let number of males = $$x$$

and Number of females = $$y$$

=> Total literate population = $$\frac{61}{100} (x + y)$$

Literate males = $$\frac{64}{100} \times x$$

Literate females = $$\frac{56}{100} \times y$$

=> $$\frac{64x}{100} + \frac{56y}{100} = \frac{61}{100} (x + y)$$

=> $$64x + 56y = 61x + 61y$$

=> $$64x - 61x = 61y - 56y$$

=> $$3x = 5y$$

=> $$\frac{x}{y} = \frac{5}{3}$$

$$\therefore$$ Required % = $$\frac{5 - 3}{5} \times 100$$

= $$2 \times 20 = 40 \%$$