The ratio of the numerator to the denominator of a certain fraction is one to four. If three is added to the numerator and subtracted from the denominator, the new fraction reduces to one-third. What is the original fraction?

a) 12/45
b) 15/45
c) 12/48

Question

The ratio of the numerator to the denominator of a certain fraction is one to four. If three is added to the numerator and subtracted from the denominator, the new fraction reduces to one-third. What is the original fraction?

a) 12/45
b) 15/45
c) 12/48

e.mccormick · Answer

How far did you get in setting this up?

anonymous · Answer

idk where to even start

e.mccormick · Answer

Well, you have two equations described.  Did you try writing them out?

e.mccormick · Answer

$?=\frac{1}{4}$

$?=\frac{1}{3}$

What would the ? parts be?

e.mccormick · Answer

Have you done equations with multiple unknowns?

x+y=5
2x-y=8

Things like that?  Because this can be done just as easily.  It is just a matter of setting up the left side of the = properly.