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555-605 (Medium)|   Algebra|      
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Bunuel
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Three numbers are in the ratio 3:4:5. The sum of the largest and the 09 May 2022, 05:15
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C
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70% (01:26) correct 30% (01:50) wrong based on 139 sessions

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Three numbers are in the ratio 3:4:5. The sum of the largest and the smallest equals the sum of the third and 52. The smallest number is:

(A) 20
(B) 27
(C) 39
(D) 52
(E) 54
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C
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Three numbers are in the ratio 3:4:5. The sum of the largest and the 09 May 2022, 10:28
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Bunuel
Three numbers are in the ratio 3:4:5. The sum of the largest and the smallest equals the sum of the third and 52. The smallest number is:

(A) 20
(B) 27
(C) 39
(D) 52
(E) 54
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\(5x + 3x = 4x + 52\)

Or, \(4x = 52\)

So, \(x = 13\)

Hence, Smallest number will be \(3*13 = 39\) , Answer must be (C)
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Three numbers are in the ratio 3:4:5. The sum of the largest and the 11 May 2022, 07:50
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Three numbers are in the ratio 3:4:5. The sum of the largest and the smallest equals the sum of the third and 52. The smallest number is:

Sum of third is confusing words, is it refering to 5x the last ratio or 4x middle ratio?
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Three numbers are in the ratio 3:4:5. The sum of the largest and the 11 May 2022, 12:29
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Since the ratio of the three numbers is 3:4:5, the actual value of the three numbers could be 3k, 4k and 5k.

The largest number is 5k and the smallest is 3k. It is given that the sum of these two numbers is equal to the sum of the third and 52 – ‘third’ here obviously refers to the third number in the set, i.e. 4k.

Therefore, 5k + 3k = 4k + 52
Simplifying and solving for k, we have, 4k = 52 or k = 13.

The smallest number = 3k; therefore, smallest number = 3 * 13 = 39

The correct answer option is C.
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Three numbers are in the ratio 3:4:5. The sum of the largest and the 11 May 2022, 21:19
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GMATWhizTeam
Since the ratio of the three numbers is 3:4:5, the actual value of the three numbers could be 3k, 4k and 5k.

The largest number is 5k and the smallest is 3k. It is given that the sum of these two numbers is equal to the sum of the third and 52 – ‘third’ here obviously refers to the third number in the set, i.e. 4k.

Therefore, 5k + 3k = 4k + 52
Simplifying and solving for k, we have, 4k = 52 or k = 13.

The smallest number = 3k; therefore, smallest number = 3 * 13 = 39

The correct answer option is C.
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Yeah it makes sense, third refers to ratio other than mentioned previously, Thanks:)
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wtstone
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Three numbers are in the ratio 3:4:5. The sum of the largest and the 30 Jul 2022, 06:44
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NirupaD
Three numbers are in the ratio 3:4:5. The sum of the largest and the smallest equals the sum of the third and 52. The smallest number is:

Sum of third is confusing words, is it refering to 5x the last ratio or 4x middle ratio?
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i agree. I wonder about some of the questions on here and the ambiguity that I think they have. I always wonder if actual gmat will be worded in a similar manner or question will be made explicitly clear. if anyone has any insight on this it would be really appreciated.
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Three numbers are in the ratio 3:4:5. The sum of the largest and the 30 Jul 2022, 15:18
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Bunuel
Three numbers are in the ratio 3:4:5. The sum of the largest and the smallest equals the sum of the third and 52. The smallest number is:

(A) 20
(B) 27
(C) 39
(D) 52
(E) 54
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First, a note that I assume "the third" refers to the median, though there's some ambiguity.

Two ways.

First, math.
3x, 4x, 5x is an arithmetic progression. 4x = 52. x =13. 3x=39
Answer choice C.

Second, Plugging In The Answers (PITA).
We need something that's divisible by 3. A and D are out. Down to three options, let's try the middle one.
Smallest is 39, middle is 52, largest is 65.
39+65 = 52+52? Yep.
Answer choice C.


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Three numbers are in the ratio 3:4:5. The sum of the largest and the 11 Jun 2024, 02:02
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Can someone please explain how are you guys taking "third number" in the set to be 4 (from the ratio)?
Referring to the ratio, the third number would be 5 given the order in which it is given and the ascending order as well.
A detailed explanation would be great.
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