If the numerator of a fraction is increased by 200% and the denominator is increased by 150%, the resulting fraction is 9/35. What was the original fraction?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: 3/14

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Percentage changes to numerator and denominator scale a fraction by separate multipliers. Translate the described changes into factors and solve for the original fraction.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Original fraction = x / y.
  • Numerator +200% ⇒ new numerator = 3x.
  • Denominator +150% ⇒ new denominator = 2.5y.
  • New fraction = 9/35.


Concept / Approach:
Form the equation (3x)/(2.5y) = 9/35. Simplify the coefficient 3/2.5 to 6/5 or 3/(5/2). Solve for x/y and reduce to lowest terms.


Step-by-Step Solution:

(3x)/(2.5y) = 9/35 ⇒ (x/y) = (9/35) * (2.5/3).(2.5/3) = (5/6). So x/y = (9/35) * (5/6) = 45/210 = 3/14.


Verification / Alternative check:
Starting from 3/14: New value = (3*3)/(14*2.5) = 9/35 as required.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
3/10, 2/15, 2/7 do not transform to 9/35 under the stated multipliers.


Common Pitfalls:
Treating 200% increment as 2x instead of 3x, or 150% increment as 1.5y instead of 2.5y.


Final Answer:
3/14

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