Math Problem Statement
A fraction is such that when 9 is added to the numerator, it becomes 2/3. Half the sum of the numerator and denominator is 28. Find the fraction.
Solution
Let the fraction be represented as , where is the numerator and is the denominator.
Step 1: Set up the equations
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When 9 is added to the numerator, the fraction becomes : Cross-multiply to clear the fraction: Expanding this, we get: This simplifies to: 3x - 2y = -27 \tag{Equation 1}
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Half the sum of the numerator and denominator is 28: Multiply both sides by 2: x + y = 56 \tag{Equation 2}
Step 2: Solve the system of equations
Now we have:
From Equation 2, we can express in terms of :
Substitute into Equation 1: Expanding and simplifying:
Now substitute back into Equation 2 to find :
Conclusion
The fraction is:
Would you like further details or have any questions?
Here are some related questions:
- How would you solve if 9 was subtracted instead of added to the numerator?
- What if the fraction became when 9 was added?
- How does the solution change if the half-sum is a different value?
- What if we know only one equation about the fraction?
- How can we verify the fraction obtained is correct?
Tip: In word problems involving fractions, translating statements into algebraic equations is key to setting up the problem for solving.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Algebra
Fractions
System of Linear Equations
Formulas
Fraction representation: \( \frac{x}{y} \)
Setting up and solving equations: \( 3x - 2y = -27 \) and \( x + y = 56 \)
Theorems
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Suitable Grade Level
Grades 7-9