Problema Solution

Two numbers are in the ratio 5:2. One half their sum is 10 1/2. Find the numbers.

Answer provided by our tutors

let 'x' and 'y' represent the numbers


x : y = 5 : 2 cross-multiply


2x = 5y


One half their sum is 10 1/2:


(1/2)(x + y) = 10 1/2


(1/2)(x + y) = 21/2


by solving the system of equations:


2x = 5y


(1/2)(x + y) = 21/2


we find:


x = 15


y = 6


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the numbers are 15 and 6.