SOLUTION: Please help me solve this problem:
Two numbers a and b are in the ratio 3:4. If the first number is decreased by 2 and the second is decreased by 1, they are in the ratio 2:3. Fin
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-> SOLUTION: Please help me solve this problem:
Two numbers a and b are in the ratio 3:4. If the first number is decreased by 2 and the second is decreased by 1, they are in the ratio 2:3. Fin
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Question 808556: Please help me solve this problem:
Two numbers a and b are in the ratio 3:4. If the first number is decreased by 2 and the second is decreased by 1, they are in the ratio 2:3. Find a and b.
Thank you!!! :) Answer by rothauserc(4718) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! 1) a/b = 3/4
cross multiply
3b = 4a
b = 4a/3
2) (a-2)/(b-1) = 2/3
cross multiply
2*(b-1) = 3*(a-2)
2b-2 = 3a-6
2b = 3a-4
b = 3a/2 -2
now set both values for b equal to eachother
4a/3 = 3a/2 -2
multiply both sides of = by 6
2*4a = 3*3a -12
8a = 9a -12
subtract 8a from both sides of = and add 12 to both sides of =
a = 12
b = 4*12/3
b = 16
check your answer
12/16 = 3/4
10/15 = 2/3
our answer checks!
a = 12 and b = 16
