Assuming that the number of people in group A and group B is 5x and 6x respectively, then
5x:(6x-8)=5:4
Solve this equation and you can get
x=4
5x=5*4=20 people 6x=6*4=24 people.
Before leaving Group B, there were 20 people in Group A and 24 people in Group B..
There are 20+24=44 participants in the calligraphy competition.
A: There are 44 people taking part in the calligraphy competition.