What number must be subtracted from each term of the ratio 17 : 23 so that it becomes 1 : 3?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → 14
Subtract the unknown number \(x\) from both terms and cross-multiply with the new ratio.
\(\displaystyle \frac{17-x}{23-x}=\frac{1}{3}\)
\(51-3x=23-x\)
\(28=2x\), so \(x=14\)
Check: \(17-14=3\), \(23-14=9\), and \(3:9=1:3\)
The number to subtract is 14.