SOLUTION: A man left $72,000 to his wife and son. The ratio of the wife's share to the son's was 5:3. How much did his wife receive?

Algebra ->  Percentage-and-ratio-word-problems -> SOLUTION: A man left $72,000 to his wife and son. The ratio of the wife's share to the son's was 5:3. How much did his wife receive?      Log On


   

Question 379719: A man left $72,000 to his wife and son. The ratio of the wife's share to the son's was 5:3. How much did his wife receive?
Answer by fractalier(6550) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Since the ratio was 5:3, and we don't know how much that exactly is, we can call their amounts 5x and 3x. Together it must equal $72,000. So...
5x + 3x = 72000
8x = 72000
x = 9000
and the wife's portion is 5x, or $45,000.