Question

The sum of three numbers a, b, and c is 77. If a decreased by 5 is equal to b increased by 5 and is also equal to c multiplied by 5, what is the value of b? What is the answer to this problem?

Answer 1

b = 33.546.

Explanation:

a + b + c = 77 (1)

a - 5 = b + 5 (2)

a = 5c (3)

from equation 2:

a - b = 10

Adding this equation to equation 1:

2a + c = 87

But a = 5c so

10c + c = 87

c = 87/11 = 7.909

and a = 5*7.909 = 35.545.

b = 77 - 7.909 - 35.545

= 33.546