Chain of ratios across four variables: Given A : B = 2 : 3, B : C = 4 : 5, and C : D = 6 : 7 for the same set of quantities, determine A : D. Show the alignment of the repeated term to combine the ratios consistently.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: 16 : 35

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Chained ratios must be combined by matching the repeated term. Here, B connects A to C, and C connects to D. The task builds ratio-composition skills and careful scaling to get an exact A : D relationship.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • A : B = 2 : 3.
  • B : C = 4 : 5.
  • C : D = 6 : 7.


Concept / Approach:
To combine A : B and B : C, equalize the value of B in both ratios. Then include C : D similarly by equalizing C. Scale to integers to avoid fractions and then read off A : D.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Let A : B = 2x : 3x and B : C = 4y : 5y. Match B: 3x = 4y ⇒ choose x = 4, y = 3.Then A = 8, B = 12, C = 15.Next, C : D = 6 : 7 ⇒ if C = 15, set 6k = 15 ⇒ k = 2.5 ⇒ D = 7k = 17.5.Scale all by 2 to remove the decimal: A = 16, B = 24, C = 30, D = 35.Hence A : D = 16 : 35.


Verification / Alternative check:
Confirm intermediate ratios: A : B = 16 : 24 = 2 : 3; B : C = 24 : 30 = 4 : 5; C : D = 30 : 35 = 6 : 7.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
2 : 7 and 4 : 13 do not preserve the combined scaling; 7 : 8 reverses order; only 16 : 35 satisfies all three conditions.



Common Pitfalls:
Adding or multiplying ratios directly without aligning the repeated variable; forgetting to scale consistently when introducing the third ratio.



Final Answer:
16 : 35

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