Question

The ratio of marbles to sticks is 5:8. The ratio of sticks to stones is

5:7. What is the reduced ratio of marbles to stones?

Answer 1

• 25 : 56

Explanation:

Let the marbles = x, sticks = y, stones = z.

Given:

• x / y = 5/ 8

and

• y / z = 5/ 7

Solve for x and z as per above ratios:

• x = 5y / 8
• z = 7y / 5

Find the ratio:

• x / z = 5y / 8 ÷ 7y / 5
• x/ z = 5y / 8 × 5 / 7y
• x / z = 25 / 56