Chapter 7.5, Problem 39STP

To determine

To Find: The least number of three numbers such that sum of the three numbers is 180.

Two of the numbers are same and each of them is one third of the greatest number.

Answer to Problem 39STP

  $B.36$

Explanation of Solution

Given:

The sum of the three numbers is 180.

Two of the numbers are same and each of them is one third of the greatest number.

Let the largest number = $x$

Let the smaller number = $y$

As per question statement:

  $\begin{array}{l}y+y+x=180\\ \Rightarrow 2y+x=\mathrm{180.......}(1)\end{array}$

  $\begin{array}{l}y=\frac{x}{3}\\ \Rightarrow x=3y\end{array}$

Putting in equation (1):

  $\begin{array}{l}5y=180\\ \Rightarrow y=36\end{array}$

So, the correct answer is:

  $B.36$