Word problem

Question

 The denominator of a fraction is four more than twice the numerator. If both numerator and denominator are decreased by eight, the simplified result is 2/7.  Find the original fraction. (Do not simplify)

Answer 1

x

-----

2x+4

x-8 2

----- = ----

2x-4 7

7(x-8) = 2(2x-4)

7x - 56 = 4x - 8

3x - 56 = -8

3x = 48

x=16

16/36 becomes 8/28 = 2/7

the original fraction is 16/36