Question

15. What least number must be subtracted from each of the numbers 14, 17, 34 and 42, so that the remainder
may be proportional ?​

Answer 1

To be in proportion, we subtract x from each number

14 − x : 17 − x = 34 − x : 42 − x 

17 − x ÷ 14 − x = 42 − x ÷ 34 − x

(14 − x) (42 − x) = (34 − x)( 17 − x) 

x² − 56x + 588 = x² − 51x + 578 

5x = 10 

x = 2