The ratio of p brave men to O on the battlefield is 17 to 2. If the total of both on the battlefield is 342, how many are O?

Question

The ratio of p brave men to O on the battlefield is 17 to 2. If the total of both on the battlefield is 342, how many are O?

Answer 1

The ratio of p brave men to O on the battlefield is 17 to 2; that is:

 

p/O = 17/2

 

Therefore  p = (17/2)*O

 

The total of both on the battlefield is 342:

 

p+O = 342

 

Substitute (17/2)O in place of p:

p + O = 342

(17/2)O + O = 342                [Substituted (17/2)O for p]

(17/2)O + (2/2)O = 342

(19/2)O = 342

 

O = 342*2/19

 

Use your calculator to compute the answer.