The sum of three numbers is 98. If the ratio between first and second be 2:3 and between second and third be 5:8 GMAT Problem Solving

Question: The sum of three numbers is 98. If the ratio between first and second be 2:3 and between second and third be 5:8, then the second number is:

(A) 30
(B) 20
(C) 48
(D) 58
(E) 60

“The sum of three numbers is 98. If the ratio between first and second be 2:3 and between second and third be 5:8”- is a topic of the GMAT Quantitative reasoning section of GMAT. This question has been taken from the book “GMAT Quantitative Review”. To solve GMAT Problem Solving questions a student must have knowledge about a good amount of qualitative skills. The GMAT Quant topic in the problem-solving part requires calculative mathematical problems that should be solved with proper mathematical knowledge.

Solution and Explanation:

Approach Solution 1:

Let the numbers be a, b, c
a+b+c = 98
a:b. b:c
2:3. 5:8
Now, we can find all the ratios common
a:b.
multiple this ratios by 5 (2:3) *5 =10:15
b:c
multiple this ratios by 3 (5:8) *3 = 15:24
Now new combined ratio: a:b:c
10:15:24
Now multiplying each ratio by a multiplier X, we can determine each value
Remember a+b+c =98
Therefore: 10x + 15x + 24x = 98
49x = 98
x = 2
Therefore the value of the second number, which is a = 15*2 = 30

Correct Answer: A

Approach Solution 2:

Given:

Sum Of 3 numbers= 98

Ratio of first number to second number is 2:3

Ratio of second number to third number is 5:8

Calculations:

Let the three numbers be A, B and C. Then, 

A : B = 2:3 & B : C = 5:8 

=5 X 3/5 : 8 X 3/5= 3 : 24/5

= A : B: C = 2 : 3 : 24/5

=10 : 15 : 24

= B = 98 X 15/49 = 30

Correct Answer: A

Approach Solution 3:

Let the three numbers be A,B and C respectively

A:B=2:3              (1)

B:C=5:8               (2)

Multiplying (1) by 5 and (2) by 3, 

A : B=10:15

B : C=15:24

A : B : C=10 : 15 : 24

Sum of ratio = 10+15+24 = 49

B = 4915​×90 = 30

Correct Answer: A

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