Question

Three students, Matthew, Thompson and Amos shared #15000 in the ratio of 5:2:x respectively. If Matthew's share is 7500, calculate the value of x.​

Answer 1

The value of x is 3.

Explanation:

Matthew earned 7500 of 15000, which is exactly half the total amount, meaning that the fraction corresponding to his earnings is 1/2.

Rate of 5:2:x, with number 5 corresponding to Matthew, mean that his fraction of the earnings, in function of x is given by:

`(5)/(5 + 2 + x) = (5)/(7 + x)`

Both fractions are equal, so:

`(5)/(7 + x) = (1)/(2)`

Applying cross multiplication:

`7 + x = 10`

`x = 10 - 7`

`x = 3`

The value of x is 3.