Question

The ratio of dogs to cats in a zoo choir is 4 : 3. There are 6 more dogs than cats. If another 2 cats join the choir, what will be the new ratio of dogs to cats?

Answer 1

6:5

Explanation:

c = number of cats

d = number of dogs

d = c+6

Set up a ratio:

4/3 = d/c

Then replace d with c+6, so your equation only has one variable.

`(4)/(3) = (c+6)/(c)`

Cross multiply

4c = 3(c+6)

Multiply everything in the parentheses by 3.

4c = 3c + 18

Subtract 3c from both sides

4c - 3c = 18

c = 18

d = c + 6 = 18 + 6 = 24

If 2 more cats join, then you will have 20 cats and 24 dogs, so the ratio of dogs to cats will now be 24:20. Divide each side by 4 for a ratio of 6:5.