The sum of three numbers is 98 . If the ratio of the first to the seco...
Problem Analysis:
Let's assume the three numbers as a, b, and c.
Step 1: Analyzing the given information:
- The sum of the three numbers is 98. So, we can write the equation as a + b + c = 98.
- The ratio of the first number to the second number is given as 2:3. So, we can write the equation as a/b = 2/3.
- The ratio of the second number to the third number is given as 5:8. So, we can write the equation as b/c = 5/8.
Step 2: Solving the equations:
- From the equation a/b = 2/3, we can find a in terms of b by cross-multiplication: a = (2/3)b.
- From the equation b/c = 5/8, we can find c in terms of b by cross-multiplication: c = (8/5)b.
Step 3: Substituting the values in the sum equation:
Substituting the values of a and c in terms of b in the sum equation, we get:
(2/3)b + b + (8/5)b = 98
Step 4: Solving the equation:
To solve the equation, we need to get rid of the fractions. So, we can multiply the entire equation by the least common multiple (LCM) of 3, 5, and 8, which is 120. Multiplying the equation by 120, we get:
(2/3)(120)b + (120)b + (8/5)(120)b = 98(120)
Simplifying the equation, we get:
80b + 120b + 96b = 11760
296b = 11760
Solving for b, we get:
b = 11760/296
b = 39
Step 5: Finding the other numbers:
We can substitute the value of b in the equations to find the values of a and c.
a = (2/3)b = (2/3)(39) = 26
c = (8/5)b = (8/5)(39) = 62.4 (approx.)
Step 6: Final answer:
The second number, b, is 39.