Question

The denominator of a fraction is three more than the numerator. When both are increased by 1 the fraction becomes 1/2. What is the original fraction?

Answer 1

2/5

Explanation:

Let x = numerator

3 + x = denominator

`(x)/(3+x)`

the numerator and denominator are increased by 1 , the fraction becomes

`(x + 1)/(4 + x) = (1)/(2)`

cross multiply

2(x + 1 ) = 4 + x

2x + 2 = 4 + x

combine like terms

2x - x = 4 - 2

x = 2 = numerator

denominator = 2 + 3 = 5

2/5 fraction