Question

The denominator of a fraction is two more than the numerator. If both numerator and denominator are decreased by six, the simplified result is 1718
17


18


. Find the original fraction. (Do NOT simplify.)

Answer 1

Answer:

$\dfrac{40}{42}$

Step-by-step explanation:

Let the numerator of the fraction=x

Since the denominator of a fraction is two more than the numerator.

Denominator=x+2

The fraction is therefore:

$\dfrac{x}{x+2}$

If both numerator and denominator are decreased by six, the fraction becomes:

$\dfrac{x-6}{x+2-6}$

The simplified result is $\dfrac{17}{18}$

Therefore:

$\dfrac{x-6}{x+2-6}=\dfrac{17}{18}\\ Next, we solve for x\\Cross multiply\\18(x-6)=17(x+2-6)\\18(x-6)=17(x-4)\\Expand the bracket\\18x-108=17x-68\\Collect like terms\\18x-17x=-68+108\\x=40$

Substituting x=40 into the initial fraction

$\dfrac{x}{x+2}=\dfrac{40}{40+2}=\dfrac{40}{42}$

Therefore, the original fraction is $\dfrac{40}{42}$