Three numbers are in the ratio 3:4:5. The sum of the largest and the smallest equals the sum of the third and 52. The smallest number is ____.

Question

please answer this asap

Answer 1

If the three numbers are in the ratio of 3:4:5, then the actual numbers may be represented by 3n:4n:5n.

 

"sum of the largest and the smallest equals the sum of the third and 52"     means

      5n + 3n = 4n + 52             [be careful ! "the third" means the "other one"]

 

      4n = 52

       n = 13

 

The actual numbers are:   39:52:65

 

Check:

     Are 39:52:65 in the ratio 3:4:5   ?

            3:4:5 in the ratio 3:4:5   ?  yes      [divide by 13]

     Is  65 + 39 = 52 + 52   ?

           104 = 104   ?yes