Question

If two numbers are in the ratio 5 to 3 and
the sum of the numbers is -24, what is the
smaller number?

Answer 1

Let the numbers be x and y

x/y = 5/3, 3x = 5y =, x = 5y/3

x + y = -24

from the above eqn,

x + y = -24

5y/3 + y = -24

8y/3 = -24

y = -9

from,

x =5y/3

x = -45/3 = -15

The numbers are -15 and -9 respectively and the smaller number is -15.