1. Correct Answer: a: 40
 2. Explanation:
     To solve this problem, we will use the principle of inclusion-exclusion to find the number of students who passed both subjects.
     Let's define:
         ○ \( E \) as the set of students who failed in English.
         ○ \( M \) as the set of students who failed in Mathematics.
     From the problem, we have:
         ○ \( |E| = 62 \) (students failed in English)
         ○ \( |M| = 52 \) (students failed in Mathematics)
         ○ \( |E \cap M| = 24 \) (students failed in both English and Mathematics)
     The total number of students who failed in at least one subject is given by the formula for the union of two sets:
     \[
     |E \cup M| = |E| + |M| - |E \cap M|
     \]
     Substituting the given values:
     \[
     |E \cup M| = 62 + 52 - 24 = 90
     \]
     Therefore, 90 students failed in at least one subject. Since there are 130 students in total, the number of students who passed both subjects is:
     \[
     130 - |E \cup M| = 130 - 90 = 40
     \]
     Thus, the number of students who passed the examination is 40.