Question

The length and width of a rectangular yard are 11 meters and 5 meters respectively. If each dimension were reduced by x meters to make the ratio of length to width 8 to 3, what would be the value of x

Answer 1

x=7/5

Explanation:

Original dimensions

Length=11 meters

Width=5 meters

Each dimension reduced by x meters

L=11-x

W=5-x

Length/width=ratio of length/ratio of width

11-x/5-x = 8/3

Cross product

(11-x)3 =( 5-x)8

33-3x=40-8x

-3x+8x=40-33

5x=7

x=7/5

Check:

11-7/5=55-7/5

=48/5

5-7/5=25-7/5

=18/5

48/5÷18/5

=48/5*5/18

=240/90

=24/9

=8/3

Length: width=8:3