A firm is comprised of partners and associates in a ratio of 2:63. If 45 more associates were hired, the ratio of partners to associates would be 1:34. How many partners are currently in the firm?  Choose the correct choice from the following choices:  A) 12  B) 14  C) 16  D) 18  E) 20
The ratio 1:34 = 2:68 so the ratio changed from 2:63 to 2:68.   68-63= 
<gadget id="calculator">68-63</gadget>
<output>5</output>
5 which is 1/9 of the increase in 45 associates.   The ratio changed from 18:567 to 18:612.   Thus the number of partners is 18.   The answer is 18.
<result>D</result>
A firm is comprised of partners and associates in a ratio of 2:63. If 45 more associates were hired, the ratio of partners to associates would be 1:34. How many partners are currently in the firm?