Question #1a0d7

2 Answers
Mar 20, 2017

"the number is "36

Explanation:

If we let the number be represented by n

Change the fractions to eqivalent fractions with a color(blue)"common denominator"

rArr1/3=1/3xx4/4=4/12" and " 1/4=1/4xx3/3=3/12

rArr4/12x-3/12x=3larrcolor(red)" difference"

Since the fractions have a common denominator we can subtract the numerators while leaving the denominator as it is.

rArr(4x)/12-(3x)/12=x/12

rArrx/12=3

multiply both sides by 12

cancel(12)^1xxx/cancel(12)^1=12xx3

rArrx=36

color(blue)"As a check"

1/3xx36-1/4xx36=12-9=3to" True"

rArr" The number is "36

Mar 20, 2017

36

Explanation:

Let the number be x
One third of the number is x / 3 and one fourth of the number is x / 4. The difference between the two is x / 3 - x / 4, which is equal to 3
ie x / 3 - x / 4 = 3
The Lowest common Multiple, (LCM) of the denominators namely , is 12
Multiplying through out by 12, we get,

x / 3 * 12 - x / 4 * 12 = 3 * 12
or
4x - 3x = 36
ie x = 36