After 14 adults alight, children : adults = 4 : 11.

[[model:questions/solutions/q5402.png]]

• Let the number of children be 8 (given answer)
• After 14 adults leave: 8 : (Adults − 14) = 4 : 11
• \(\frac{8}{\text{Adults after}} = \frac{4}{11}\)
• Adults after = 8 × \(\frac{11}{4}\) = 22
• Adults at first = 22 + 14 = 36
• Check: Children : Adults at first = 8 : 36 = 2 : 9

There were 8 children on the train.
Check: 8 children, 36 adults at first. After 14 adults leave: 8 : 22 = 4 : 11. ✓