If two numbers are in the ratio 5 to 3 and the sum of the numbers is -24, what is the smaller number?

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Answer 1 · 2016-10-25T18:56:11

The number the furthest to the left on the number line is #-15#.

Let the numbers be #x# and #y#.

#5x = 3y#
#x + y = -24#

Solve using substitution.

#y = -24 - x#

#5x = 3(-24 - x)#

#5x = -72 - 3x#

#8x = -72#

#x = -9#

#:.-9 + y = -24#

#y = -15#