Skip to main content

2015 AMC 10A Problem 6

Problem 6 of 25EasierAlgebra

The sum of two positive numbers is 55 times their difference. What is the ratio of the larger number to the smaller number?

Answer choices

Show solution

Solution

Let xx and yy be the two numbers. Then we have that x+y=5(xy). x + y = 5(x - y). Note that we are assuming x>y.x \gt y. This gives us x+y=5x5y x + y = 5x - 5y 6y=4x. 6y = 4x. Dividing through yields xy=64=32.\dfrac{x}{y} = \dfrac{6}{4} = \dfrac{3}{2}. Thus, B is the correct answer.

More practice

Concepts: linear equation · ratio and proportion

Problem text and solution from the LIVE past-contest archive. See also the AoPS wiki page for community solutions.