SOLUTION: What number must be added to both the numerator and the denominator of the fraction (2/5) to get the fraction (7/8)?

Algebra ->  Percentage-and-ratio-word-problems -> SOLUTION: What number must be added to both the numerator and the denominator of the fraction (2/5) to get the fraction (7/8)?      Log On


   



Question 628568: What number must be added to both the numerator and the denominator of the fraction (2/5) to get the fraction (7/8)?
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
+%28+2%2Bx+%29+%2F+%28+5%2Bx+%29+=+7%2F8+
Multiply both sides by +8%2A%28+5%2Bx+%29+
+8%2A%28+2%2Bx+%29+=+7%2A%28+5%2Bx+%29+
+16+%2B+8x+=+35+%2B+7x+
+x+=+35+-+16+
+x+=+19+
check answer:
+%28+2+%2B+19+%29+%2F+%28+5+%2B+19+%29+=+7%2F8+
+21+%2F+24+=+7%2F8+
The left side is
+%283%2F3%29%2A%287%2F8%29+=+7%2F8+
+1%2A%287%2F8%29+=+7%2F8+
+7%2F8+=+7%2F8+
OK