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:
Choose the correct choice from the following answers:
A) 15
B) 33
C) 58
D) 56
E) 91
Let the numbers be 3x and 5x.   Then, (3x - 9)/(5x - 9)   = 12/23   9x = 99 =&gt; x = 11   The smallest number   = 3 * 11= 
<gadget id="calculator">3 * 11</gadget>
<output>33</output>
33.   Answer33
<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: