[SOLVED] How to solve three-term ratio problem with two variables?
This problem has me completely stumped:
How can I simplify this ratio in order to solve for x and y? I tried setting the first two terms equal to 3:4 or the last two terms equal to 4:5 and cross-multiplying, but that didn't work out. Is there a way to reduce the three-term ratio into two terms?
The answer is: x=168 and y=32.
Thoughts on solving this problem:
This problem has me completely stumped:
Code:
(600-x)/60:(800-y)/80:(1000+x+y)/100=3:4:5
How can I simplify this ratio in order to solve for x and y? I tried setting the first two terms equal to 3:4 or the last two terms equal to 4:5 and cross-multiplying, but that didn't work out. Is there a way to reduce the three-term ratio into two terms?
The answer is: x=168 and y=32.
Thoughts on solving this problem:
- There are two variables, so I need to establish two equations in order to solve both variables.
- If this were a two-term ratio problem, e.g., x:y=1:2, then I could setup an equation like x/y = 1/2, then cross multiply.
- But since this is a three-term ratio problem, where x : y : z is in the same ratio as 3r : 4r : 5r, where r is a fixed factor, I cannot reduce the entire ratio to one fraction.
- I did notice that interestingly the denominators of the three terms are in the ratio of 3:4:5. I'm not sure if that helps with anything.
- I realize that since this is a ratio, I can perform the same operation on all three terms, e.g., multiple each term by 10.
- I wish I could show my "attempt" in solving this problem, but I don't even know where to start!
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