The number of fruits in baskets A and B are in the ratio 7 : 9. If six fruits are taken out from A and put in B, then this ratio becomes 1 : 3. The total number of fruits in A and B is

Let A have 7k fruits and B have 9k fruits. After transfer: A has (7k-6), B has (9k+6). Given (7k-6)/(9k+6) = 1/3. Cross-multiplying: 3(7k-6) = 9k+6, so 21k - 18 = 9k + 6, giving 12k = 24, k = 2. Total = 7(2) + 9(2) = 14 + 18 = 32. However, the answer key indicates 36. Rechecking: if k=2, A=14, B=18, total=32. After transfer A=8, B=24, ratio=8:24=1:3 ✓. So total is 32, option (2). The correct answer is 32.