Rational expression application

Question

The denominator of a fraction is 3 more than the numerator. If both numerator and denominator are decreased by one, the simplified result is 8/9. Find the original fraction.

Answer 1

As always, first identify the quantities involved.

Let n be the numerator

Let d be the denominator

Then Translate the words into equations that relate the quantities.

d = 3 + n

(n-1) / (d-1) = 8/9

ill bet you know how to solve these equations for n and d.

But, for the viewers playing at home, I would substitute (3+n) for d in the second equation, solve for n, add 3 to get d.