Question

A parking lot has 27 empty spaces. If the ratio of empty spaces to taken spaces is 3:5, how many spaces are there in total?

Answer 1

72 spaces total

Explanation:

The ration is 3:5. The 3 is the empty spaces which is 27. In order to simplify 27 to 3, you have to multiply it by 9. Knowing you have to simplify both sides by the same number you then multiple the 5 by 9 getting 45. The total amount of taken spaces is 45. Add the amount of empty spaces and taken spaces together you get 72 spaces total.