Question

What is the common number to be subtracted from each term of the ratio 11:8 to get the new ratio 2 : 1?​

Answer 1

5 should be subtracted from each term

Explanation:

Cross multiply,

1 * (11 - x) = 2*(8-x)

11 -x = 2*8 - 2*x

11 - x = 16 - 2x

Subtract 11 from both sides,

-x = 16 - 2x - 11

-x = 5 - 2x

Add 2x to both sides

-x +2x = 5 - 2 + 2x

x = 5