18 /(y + 18) = 4/9 <<<<===== answer. be careful the number of boys is in a ratio of the number of boys to the total. Just to make sure I'm right, I solve it. 18 * 9 = 4*(y + 18) 162 = 4y + 72 Subtract 72 from both sides. 90 = 4y Divide by 4 22.5 = y Never mind the 0.5. Does it work
18/22.5 = 0.8 0.8 is the same thing as 4/5 The problem makes no sense in the real world, but it does work out mathematically.