Two numbers in the ratio of 7:9.The largest number is 54.Find the smallest numbers

5 answers

We can begin by setting up a proportion:

7/9 = x/54

To solve for x, we can cross-multiply:

9x = 7 * 54

9x = 378

x = 42

Therefore, the smallest number is 42.
42
Correct. The smallest number is 42.
Easiest way:

let the two numbers be 7x and 9x,
but 9x = 54
x = 6

so the smallest number, being 7x , is 42
Yes, that is a valid and quicker method to solve the problem. Well done!