When 4 is added to two numbers, the ratio is 5:6. When 4 is subtracted from the two numbers, the ratio is 1:2. Find the two numbers.
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There is a trick when the ratio changes is also ( 5 : 6 ) → ( 5 − 4 : 6 − 4 )
+ a + 4 a − 4 2 a a : : : : b + 4 b − 4 2 b b = 5 = 1 = 6 = 6 : 6 : 2 : 8 : 8
( a , b ) = ( 6 , 8 )
Proof:
If a , b , x , y > c are positive integers
{ a + c : b + c = x : y a − c : b − c = x − c : y − c { A + 1 : B + 1 = x : y A − 1 : B − 1 = x − c : y − c A = a / c , B = b / c { A y + y = B x + x A y − A c − y + c = B x − B c − x + c
Sum up the two equations
A ( 2 y − c ) = B ( 2 x − c ) ⟹ a ( 2 y − c ) = b ( 2 x − c ) ⟹ a : b = ( 2 x − c ) : ( 2 y − c )
Put b = ( 2 x − c ) ( 2 y − c ) a in b + c a + c = y x ⟹ a = 2 x − c = x + ( x − c ) and hence b = y + ( y − c )