In an army selection process, the ratio of selected to unselected was 3:1. If 80 less had applied and 40 less selected, the ratio of selected to unselected would have been 4:1. How many candidates had applied for the process?

Let $$4x$$ candidates applied for the process.

Candidates selected = $$3x$$ and candidates not selected = $$x$$

If candidates applied = $$4x - 80$$

Candidates selected = $$3x - 40$$

=> Candidates not selected = $$(4x - 80) - (3x - 40) = x - 40$$

According to ques,

=> $$\frac{3x - 40}{x - 40} = \frac{4}{1}$$

=> $$3x - 40 = 4x - 160$$

=> $$x = 160 - 40 = 120$$

$$\therefore$$ Number of candidates who applied for the process = $$4 \times 120 = 480$$

=> Ans - (A)