Question

a, b and c are positive integers. a:b=3:8 and b:c=6:11
work out the smallest possible value of a+b+c

Answer 1

a : b => 5 : 6 and b : c => 8 : 11

We need the lowest common multiple of 6 and 8, which is 24

Hence, a : b => 20 : 24 and b : c => 24 : 33

i.e. a : b : c => 20 : 24 : 33

Then, lowest value of a + b + c = 77