SOLUTION: The average of a and b is 18, and the ratio of a to b is 5 to 4. what is the value of a

SOLUTION: The average of a and b is 18, and the ratio of a to b is 5 to 4. what is the value of a - b ?

Question 353572: The average of a and b is 18, and the ratio of a to b is 5 to 4. what is the value of a - b ?
Found 2 solutions by mananth, ewatrrr:
Answer by mananth(16946) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Average of a & b = 18
so sum of a&b = 2*18=36
...
5/9 + 36 = a= 20
...
4/9 * 36 = 16 = b
..
CHECK
20/16 = 5/4
...
20+16 =36 /2 = 18 the average.
...
m.ananth@hotmail.ca

Answer by ewatrrr(24785) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Hi,
.
Question states

b = 36 - a
.
and

a = (5/4)b
.
b = 36 - (5/4)b
b + (5/4)b = 36
2(1/4) b = 36
(9/4)b = 36
b = 36*(4/9)
b = 16
a = (5/4)16 or 20
.
calculate
a - b
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