The sum of two numbers is 0.25. Their quotient is 0.25. Find the numbers.

Question

The sum of two numbers is 0.25. Their quotient is 0.25. Find the numbers.

Answer 1

a + b = 0.25

a / b = 0.25

Solve the first equation for a:

a + b = 0.25 | - b

a = 0.25 - b

Then substitute 0.25 - b for a in the second equation:

a / b = 0.25

0.25 - b

----------- = 0.25

b

Now solve for b:

0.25 - b

----------- = 0.25 | * b

b

0.25 - b = 0.25b | +b

0.25 = 1.25b | / 1.25

0.25 / 1.25 = b

Since this is easier in fractions:

1 5 1 4 4 1

---- / ---- = ----- * ----- = --- = ---- or 0.2

4 4 4 5 20 5

b = 0.2

Now substitute 0.2 for b in the equation we solved for a:

a = 0.25 - b

a = 0.25 - 0.2

a = 0.05

Now verify:

a = 0.05

b = 0.2

a + b = 0.25

0.05 + 0.2 = 0.25 ... correct

a

---- = 0.25

b

0.05

------ = 0.25 ... correct

0.20