Question

Add the same number to both the numerator and the denominator of
the fraction 7/17, to change it to 3/5.
​

Answer 1

Answer:

$x = \frac {16}{85}$

Explanation:

Let the unknown fraction or number be x.

Translating the word problem into an algebraic equation, we have;

$\frac {7}{17} + x = \frac {3}{5}$

$x = \frac {3}{5} - \frac {7}{17}$

Lowest common multiple (LCM) = 85

We would multiply all through by 85

$85 * x = 85 * \frac {3}{5} - 85 * \frac {7}{17}$

$85x = \frac {255}{5} - \frac {595}{17}$

$85x = 51 - 35$

$85x = 16$

Dividing both sides by 85;

$x = \frac {16}{85}$