The sum of two number is 33. One number is three-eighths as large as the others. Find the smaller number.

Answer 1

s = 3L/8

L = 8s/3

s+L = 33

s + 8s/3 = 33

11s/3 = 33

s = 3(33)/11 = 3(3) = 9 = the smaller number

L = 24

9+24 = 33

3/8 x 24 = 9