2015 AMC 12A Problem 4

Attempt Problem 4 of the 2015 AMC 12A below, then check your answer against the professionally curated solution from LIVE by Po-Shen Loh. You can also try the full timed exam, view all 2015 AMC 12A solutions, or check the answer key.

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4.

The sum of two positive numbers is 55 times their difference. What is the ratio of the larger number to the smaller number?

54\dfrac{5}{4}

32\dfrac{3}{2}

95\dfrac{9}{5}

22

52\dfrac{5}{2}

Answer: B
Concepts:ratio and proportionlinear equation
Difficulty rating: 1200
Solution:

Let xx and yy be the numbers with x>y>0.x \gt y \gt 0. Then x+y=5(xy).x+y = 5(x-y).

Expanding gives x+y=5x5y,x+y = 5x-5y, so 6y=4x6y = 4x and xy=32.\dfrac{x}{y} = \dfrac{3}{2}.

Thus, the correct answer is B.

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