Answer:
Option D
Explanation:
Let 3 engines of former type consume 1 unit in 1 hour.
Then, 4 engines of latter type consume 1 unit in 1 hour.
1 engine of former type consumes $\frac{1}{3}$ unit in 1 hour.
1 engine of latter type consumes $\frac{1}{4}$ unit in 1 hour.
Let the required consumption of coal be $x$ units.
Less engines, Less coal consumed (Direct Proportion)
More working hours, More coal consumed (Direct Proportion)
Less rate of consumption, Less coal consumed (Direct Proportion)
$\left\{\begin{array}{c}No.engines\quad\quad\quad\quad\quad\quad\quad\quad 9:8\\ Working\quad hours\quad\quad\quad\quad\quad\quad 8:13\\Rate\quad of\quad consumption\quad\quad\quad\frac{1}{3}:\frac{1}{4}\end{array}\right\}::24:x$
$\therefore \left(9\times 8\times\frac{1}{3}\times x\right)$ $=\left(8\times 13\times\frac{1}{4}\times 24\right)$
$\Leftrightarrow 3x=78$ $\Leftrightarrow x=26$