To solve for the total number of boys in the class, we can use the ratio of boys to the total number of students (boys and girls).
Let the number of boys be \( B \). According to the problem, the ratio of boys to total students (boys and girls) is given as \( \frac{4}{7} \).
We also know there are 18 girls in the class. Therefore, the total number of students can be expressed as:
\[ \text{Total Students} = B + \text{Girls} = B + 18 \]
From the ratio of boys to total students, we can set up the equation:
\[ \frac{B}{B + 18} = \frac{4}{7} \]
Now we can cross-multiply to solve for \( B \):
\[ 7B = 4(B + 18) \]
Expanding the right side:
\[ 7B = 4B + 72 \]
Next, we will isolate \( B \):
\[ 7B - 4B = 72 \]
\[ 3B = 72 \]
Now, divide both sides by 3:
\[ B = 24 \]
Thus, the total number of boys in the class is 24.