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 xy\frac{x}{y}, where xx is the numerator and yy is the denominator.

Step 1: Set up the equations

  1. When 9 is added to the numerator, the fraction becomes 23\frac{2}{3}: x+9y=23\frac{x + 9}{y} = \frac{2}{3} Cross-multiply to clear the fraction: 3(x+9)=2y3(x + 9) = 2y Expanding this, we get: 3x+27=2y3x + 27 = 2y This simplifies to: 3x - 2y = -27 \tag{Equation 1}

  2. Half the sum of the numerator and denominator is 28: x+y2=28\frac{x + y}{2} = 28 Multiply both sides by 2: x + y = 56 \tag{Equation 2}

Step 2: Solve the system of equations

Now we have: 3x2y=273x - 2y = -27 x+y=56x + y = 56

From Equation 2, we can express yy in terms of xx: y=56xy = 56 - x

Substitute y=56xy = 56 - x into Equation 1: 3x2(56x)=273x - 2(56 - x) = -27 Expanding and simplifying: 3x112+2x=273x - 112 + 2x = -27 5x=855x = 85 x=17x = 17

Now substitute x=17x = 17 back into Equation 2 to find yy: 17+y=5617 + y = 56 y=39y = 39

Conclusion

The fraction is: xy=1739\frac{x}{y} = \frac{17}{39}

Would you like further details or have any questions?


Here are some related questions:

  1. How would you solve if 9 was subtracted instead of added to the numerator?
  2. What if the fraction became 34\frac{3}{4} when 9 was added?
  3. How does the solution change if the half-sum is a different value?
  4. What if we know only one equation about the fraction?
  5. 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