Math Problem Statement

if a : b = 2 : 3, c:d = 3:4 find (a + c ): (b+d)

Solution

We are given the ratios:

ab=23andcd=34\frac{a}{b} = \frac{2}{3} \quad \text{and} \quad \frac{c}{d} = \frac{3}{4}

We need to find the ratio a+cb+d\frac{a+c}{b+d}.

Step 1: Express aa and bb in terms of a common variable.

From ab=23\frac{a}{b} = \frac{2}{3}, we can write: a=23ba = \frac{2}{3}b

Step 2: Express cc and dd in terms of a common variable.

From cd=34\frac{c}{d} = \frac{3}{4}, we can write: c=34dc = \frac{3}{4}d

Step 3: Substitute these into the expression for a+cb+d\frac{a+c}{b+d}.

Now, substitute a=23ba = \frac{2}{3}b and c=34dc = \frac{3}{4}d into the ratio a+cb+d\frac{a+c}{b+d}: a+cb+d=23b+34db+d\frac{a+c}{b+d} = \frac{\frac{2}{3}b + \frac{3}{4}d}{b + d}

Step 4: Find a common denominator for the numerator.

To combine the terms 23b\frac{2}{3}b and 34d\frac{3}{4}d, we find a common denominator, which is 12. Thus: 23b=812band34d=912d\frac{2}{3}b = \frac{8}{12}b \quad \text{and} \quad \frac{3}{4}d = \frac{9}{12}d So, the numerator becomes: 812b+912d=8b+9d12\frac{8}{12}b + \frac{9}{12}d = \frac{8b + 9d}{12}

Step 5: Substitute this into the ratio.

We now have: a+cb+d=8b+9d12b+d\frac{a+c}{b+d} = \frac{\frac{8b + 9d}{12}}{b + d}

Step 6: Simplify the expression.

Simplifying the complex fraction: a+cb+d=8b+9d12(b+d)\frac{a+c}{b+d} = \frac{8b + 9d}{12(b + d)}

This is the simplified ratio. Therefore, the final answer is: 8b+9d12(b+d)\boxed{\frac{8b + 9d}{12(b + d)}}

Let me know if you need further clarification or a more detailed breakdown!


Further Questions to Explore:

  1. What would the ratio a+cb+d\frac{a+c}{b+d} be if we had different values for aa, bb, cc, and dd?
  2. How would this ratio change if ab=12\frac{a}{b} = \frac{1}{2} and cd=56\frac{c}{d} = \frac{5}{6}?
  3. Can you interpret the ratio 8b+9d12(b+d)\frac{8b + 9d}{12(b + d)} in terms of a real-world situation?
  4. How can you use this method to solve problems involving multiple ratios?
  5. What happens to this ratio if b=db = d?

Tip: When working with ratios, always express all terms in terms of a common variable to simplify the expression.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Ratios
Algebra
Fraction Operations

Formulas

a/b = 2/3
c/d = 3/4
(a + c) / (b + d)

Theorems

Concept of equivalent ratios
Simplification of complex fractions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-9