The sum of three numbers is 98. If the ratio of the first to the second is 2:3 and that of the second to the third is 5:8, then the second number is?
Explanation
To find the second number, we need to express the three numbers in a combined ratio.
Step 1: Combine the ratios
Let the three numbers be A,B, and C.
The ratio of A:B is 2:3.
The ratio of B:C is 5:8.
To combine these, we equate the value of B in both ratios by multiplying A:B by 5 and B:C by 3:
A:B=(2×5):(3×5)=10:15
B:C=(5×3):(8×3)=15:24
Thus, the combined ratio A:B:C is 10:15:24.
Step 2: Solve for the numbers
Let the numbers be 10x,15x, and 24x.
Given that their sum is 98:
10x+15x+24x=98
49x=98
x=4998=2
Step 3: Calculate the second number
The second number is represented by 15x:
Second number=15×2=30
Conclusion:
The second number is 30, which corresponds to option 2.