Correct Option
Let the weight of steel block A be x.
When block B is placed on top of A, the total weight increases by 60%. Therefore, the combined weight of A and B is:
Total Weight (A + B) = x+0.60x=1.60x
The weight of block B is the difference between the total weight and the weight of A:
Weight of B = Total Weight (A + B) - Weight of A = 1.60x−x=0.60x
When block B is removed from A, the weight reduced is the weight of B, which is 0.60x.
The question asks for the percentage reduction with respect to the total weight of A and B (which is 1.60x).
Percentage Reduction = Total Weight (A + B)Weight of B×100
= 1.60x0.60x×100
= 16060×100
= 83×100=37.5%
Incorrect Options
Options 1 (60%), 2 (45.5%), and 3 (40%) are incorrect as they do not represent the accurate percentage reduction calculated relative to the combined weight of blocks A and B.