Two numbers are in the ratio 3:5. If 9 is subtracted from each, the new numbers are in the ratio 12:23. The smaller number is?  Select:
A) 21
B) 33
C) 35
D) 42
E) 58
Let the numbers be 3x and 5x   3x-9 / 5x-9 = 12/23   23(3x-9) = 12(5x-9)   9x = 99   x = 11   The smaller number is = 3*11= 
<gadget id="calculator">3*11</gadget>
<output>33</output>
33   Answer is 33
<result>B</result>
Two numbers are in the ratio 3:5. If 9 is subtracted from each, the new numbers are in the ratio 12:23. The smaller number is?