Two numbers are in the ratio 3:5. If 9 is subtracted from each number, the ratio becomes 12:33. The smaller number is
27.
Let the two numbers be 3x and 5x.
According to the given condition, we have:
(3x - 9) / (5x - 9) = 12 / 33
Cross multiplying, we get:
33(3x - 9) = 12(5x - 9)
99x - 297 = 60x - 108
39x = 189
x = 189 / 39
x = 5
So, the smaller number is:
3x = 3(5) = 15
Therefore, the smaller number is 15.