Question

what number must be subtract from each term of the ratio 17:33 so that the ratio become 7:15

Answer 1

Answer is ...17-x/33-x = 7/15
255-231=8x
x=24/8=3
...is the required solution

Answer 2

Define x:

Let x be the number to be subtracted

Original ratio = 17 : 33

New ratio = 7 : 15

Form equation:

(17 - x)/(33 - x) = 7/15

Solve x:

(17 - x)/(33 - x) = 7/15

Cross multiply:

15(17 - x) = 7(33 - x)

Distribute 15 and 7:

255 -15x = 231 -7x

Add 15x to both sides:

255 = 231 + 8x

Subtract 231 from both sides:

24 = 8x

Switch sides:

8x = 24

Divide by 8:

x = 3

Answer: The number is 3