Question

Stephen, Paul & Bridget share some money in the ratio 3 : 4 : 2.

In total, Stephen and Bridget receive £50.
How much does Paul get?

Answer 1

Given parameters:

Ratio of their money = 3 : 4 : 2

Total amount received by Stephen and Bridget = 50

Unknown :

How much did Paul get = ?

Solution:

The amount Paul got is a fraction of the total.

We need to find the total amount first;

Amount Stephen and Bridget got =
`(ratio of stephen and bridget)/(total ratio) x total amount`

let the total amount = y;

50 =
`(3+2)/(9)` x y

`(5y)/(9)` = 50

5y = 450

y = 90

Now, the amount Paul got;

=
`(4)/(9) x 90`

= 40

The amount Paul got is £40

Answer 2

£40.

Explanation:

In terms of ratio units, Stephen and Bridget together get 3+2 = 5, while Paul receives 4. That is, Paul gets 4/5 of their combined total, or ...

4/5 · £50 = £40

Paul gets £40.