Algebra Word Problem - practice problems

[enggM]

Homework Statement

The problem goes like this: The sum of 2 numbers is 25. If 2/3 of the smaller one is 2 more than 1/4 of the larger one, find the 2 numbers.

Any hints on how to start off this one? What should I let x= be?

When i attempted to solve this i let 2/3x = the smaller number and then the other number is 1/4(2/3x+2) well that's how i understood this problem and after that the solution looked really bad, i got really large fractions as an answer.

 

[PWiz]

Let $x$ be the smaller number and $y$ be the larger number. Can you now try to frame some equations?

 

[enggM]

ahh thank you very much well i'll try it.

 

[HallsofIvy]

When i attempted to solve this i let 2/3x = the smaller number and then the other number is 1/4(2/3x+2) well that's how i understood this problem and after that the solution looked really bad, i got really large fractions as an answer.

The problem said 2/3 of the smaller number. Setting "2/3x = the smaller number" says that the smaller number IS 2/3 of some other number. You have it backwards.

 

[enggM]

so basically i might have switched the two numbers is that what you're implying? ohhh i see got to try it :)

 

[haruspex]

so basically i might have switched the two numbers is that what you're implying? ohhh i see got to try it :)

Seems to me you reversed all three operations, the 2/3, the +2, and the 1/4.

 

[enggM]

oh thanks for all of your hints i finally solve it. i forgot the role of 25 there so the setting was let x = smaller then 25-x = the larger then set up the equation which is 2/3(x)=1/4(25-x)+2. Now to the next one :) 2]The denominator of a fraction exceeds its numerator by 5. If the numerator is multiplied by 3, and the denominator is increased by 3, the resulting fraction is equivalent to 1. Find the original fraction. ill be back tomorrow to cook up the constraints and equations any hints would be appreciated though :)

 

[Mark44]

Now to the next one :) 2]The denominator of a fraction exceeds its numerator by 5. If the numerator is multiplied by 3, and the denominator is increased by 3, the resulting fraction is equivalent to 1. Find the original fraction. ill be back tomorrow to cook up the constraints and equations any hints would be appreciated though :)

Since this is a new question, please start a new thread. Be sure to use the homework template.