What is the value of b so that the ratio of 5 to 16 subtracted from b is equal to the ratio of 9 to b subtracted by 8?
1)−2
2)−26
3)26
4) 2
All those words are ambiguous.
what does "subtracted by" even mean?
If "x subtracted from y" means y-x,
does "x subtracted by y mean x-y?
I'll say it does. One way to interpret your words is
b - 5/16 = 9/b - 8
Probably not, since it's not a rational solution
Ok, let's try
5/(b-16) = 9/(b-8)
b = 26
See how much clearer algebra is than words? Next time try typing in your problem, rather than dictating it.