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Re: For positive numbers [#permalink]
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The issue here is the direction of the ratio. When you set p=1 and q=5, you are actually testing the relationship q=5 p, rather than p=5 q.

In the equation \(\frac{p-q}{p+q}=\frac{2}{3}\), for the result to be a positive number ( 2 / 3 ), the numerator ( p-q ) must be positive. This means p must be significantly larger than q.

Let's re-solve the algebra to see why p=5 q is the correct relationship:



Starting with the original equation:


\(\frac{p-q}{p+q}=\frac{2}{3}\)


1. Cross-multiply to clear the fractions:


\(3(p-q)=2(p+q)\)


2. Distribute the constants:


\(3 p-3 q=2 p+2 q\)


3. Rearrange to isolate p and q :

Subtract 2 p from both sides:


\(p-3 q=2 q\)



Add 3 q to both sides:


\(p=5 q\)


If we use the correct relationship p=5 q :
- Let q=1
- Then p=5(1)=5

Now, substitute these back into the original equation:


\(\frac{5-1}{5+1}=\frac{4}{6}=\frac{2}{3}\)



It works! The original equation is satisfied.
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For positive numbers [#permalink]
Oh wow Carcass I see my folly, thank you! Such a silly mistake, i need to get sharper on these.
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For positive numbers [#permalink]
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