In a religious gathering, the ratio of the number of ladies to gents was 3:2. When 20 more gents joined, the ratio was reversed. The number of ladies was

Let the initial number of ladies and gents be 3x and 2x respectively, based on the given ratio 3:2.
According to the question, 20 more gents join the gathering, so the number of gents becomes (2x+20). The number of ladies stays the same (3x).
The new ratio of ladies to gents reverses to become 2:3:

2x+20
3x
​
=
3
2
​

Cross-multiplying to solve for x:

3(3x)=2(2x+20)
9x=4x+40
5x=40⟹x=8
Now, find the total number of ladies:

Number of ladies=3x=3(8)=24