Question

Three students, Matthew, Thompson and Amos shared #15000 in the ratio of 5:2:x respectively. If Matthew's share is 7500, calculate the value of x.​

Answer 1

Answer:

The value of x is 3.

Step-by-step explanation:

Matthew earned 7500 of 15000, which is exactly half the total amount, meaning that the fraction corresponding to his earnings is 1/2.

Rate of 5:2:x, with number 5 corresponding to Matthew, mean that his fraction of the earnings, in function of x is given by:

$\frac{5}{5 + 2 + x} = \frac{5}{7 + x}$

Both fractions are equal, so:

$\frac{5}{7 + x} = \frac{1}{2}$

Applying cross multiplication:

$7 + x = 10$

$x = 10 - 7$

$x = 3$

The value of x is 3.