Question

The sum of a numerator and denominator of a fraction is 17 If the denominator is decreased by 2 the fraction become 1/2.
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Answer 1

Answer:

The numerator of the fraction is 5 and the denominator is 12, so the fraction is 5/12.

Step-by-step explanation:

Let the numerator of the fraction be x and the denominator of the fraction be y

then, x + y = 17

or, y = 17-x ---------------(a)

Now, the denominator is decreased by 2, which means now denominator is y-2, so,

x / (y-2) = 1/2

2x = y - 2

2x - y = -2 -------------(b)

Substituting the value of y from equation (a) in (b), we get

2x - (17-x) = -2

or, 2x -17 + x = -2

or, 2x + x = -2 + 17

or, 3x = 15

or, x = 5

Thus, the value of y = 17 - 5 = 12 and the fraction is 5/12.