In an aqueous solution, the acid HIO disproportionates according to the following equation where m, n, p and q are simple whole numbers in their lowest ratios.
mHIO -- nI2 + pHIO3 + qH2O
This equation can be balanced using oxidation numbers.
What are the values for n and p?
ANS : n:2, p:1

Question

In an aqueous solution, the acid HIO disproportionates  according to the following equation where m, n, p and q  are simple whole numbers in their lowest ratios. 
mHIO --> nI2 + pHIO3 + qH2O 
This equation can be balanced using oxidation numbers.
What are the values for n and p?
ANS : n:2, p:1

abmon98 · Answer

Assign the oxidation numbers of each element in your chemical equation. Electron lost has to equal the electron gained.
Here are some rules which can help you figure out their oxidation states:
1) The oxidation state of an uncombined element is equal to zero.
2)  The sum of all the oxidation states of all the atoms in a neutral compound is equal to zero.
3) The sum of all oxidation states of all the atoms in an ion is equal to the charge on the ion.
4) The more electronegative is likely to carry a negative charge.
Oxygen usually has an oxidation state of -2 
hydrogen,,,,,,,  +1
fluorine,,,,,, -1