Question:

Everyone in the room handshakes with everyone else. If the total number of handshakes is 66, then the number of persons in the room is...

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Each handshake is a choice of 2 persons from n, so n(n-1)/2 equals 66.
Updated On: Nov 12, 2026
  • \(10\)
  • \(6\)
  • \(11\)
  • \(12\)
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
Every handshake involves a pair, so the total is \(^{n}C_2=\dfrac{n(n-1)}{2}\).

Step 2: Calculation
\(\dfrac{n(n-1)}{2}=66\Rightarrow n^2-n-132=0\)
\((n-12)(n+11)=0\)
Since \(n>0\), \(n=12\).

Step 3: Compare the options
The value 12 is the last option.

Final Answer:
There are 12 persons in the room. \[ \boxed{\text{(D) }12} \]
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