Question

The cost of an electrical gadget and the cost of a plumbing material were in the ratio 8:6 last year, this year each cost was reduced by GHÇ 4.00 and their ratio changed to 7:5 respectively. Taking the Initial cost of the electrical gadget to be GHÇp Calculate the value of p and q

Answer 1

p/q = 8/6

Make p the subject

p = 8q/6........equation 1

This year the price was reduced by 4

p-4/q-4 = 7/5

Cross multiple

5(p-4) = 7(q-4)

5p-20 = 7q-28

5p - 7q = -8 .......equation 2

Sub 8q/6 for p in equation 1

5(8q/6) - 7q = -8

Multiply through by 6

40q-42q=-48

-2q=-48

q=24

Sub 24 for q in equation 1

p= 8(24)/6

p= 192/6

p= 32.....

Check the answer for confirmation.

Thanks.