Question 1117315
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The ratio of apples to oranges is 2:5.  After I sell 57 oranges, the ratio {{{highlight(of_apples_to_oranges)}}} is 5:3.  How many apples did I start with.
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<pre>
Originally you have 2x apples and 5x oranges.


After selling, you have this equation


{{{(2x)/(5x - 57)}}} = {{{5/3}}}.


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3*(2x) = (5x-57)*5

6x = 25x - 285

285 = 25x - 6x = 19x  ====>  x = {{{285/19}}} = 15.


<U>Answer</U>.  You started with 2*15 = 30 apples.
</pre>

Solved.