Since the ratio of selected to unselected was 2 : 1;
Selected candidates = 2x,
Unselected candidates = x and
total applied candidates = 3x
If 50 less had applied and 25 less selected, the ratio of selected to unselected would have been 9 : 4
Total applied candidates = (3x – 50)
And Selected candidates = (2x – 25) and Unselected candidates = x – 50 + 25
(2x – 25) / (x – 25) = 9/4
x = 125
Total number of candidates who applied = 3x = 375