A fraction has a value of 3/5. If the numerator is decreased by 8 and the denominator is increased by 3, its value is 1/4. Find the original fraction.

Answer 1

Let the original fraction be (3x) / (5x). Then (3x-8) / (5x+3) = 1/4.

Cross multiplying, we have: 4(3x-8) = 5x+3

So, 12x-32 = 5x+3

7x = 35.

x = 5

Thus, the original fraction is 15/25