What smallest positive number should be subtracted from 2 and 3 so that 4 is…
2023
What smallest positive number should be subtracted from 2 and 3 so that 4 is the third proportion to them?
- A.
1
- B.
2
- C.
3
- D.
4
Attempted by 15 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Let x be the number subtracted from both 2 and 3. If 4 is the third proportion to 2 - x and 3 - x, then (3 - x)^2 = 4(2 - x). Solving gives x^2 - 2x + 1 = 0, so x = 1.