3. [4] Three real numbers $x, y$, and $z$ are such that $(x+4) / 2=(y+9) /(z-3)=(x+5) /(z-5)$. Determine the value of $x / y$.
Answer: $\mathbf{1 / 2}$. Because the first and third fractions are equal, adding their numerators and denominators produces another fraction equal to the others: $((x+4)+(x+5)) /(2+(z-5))=(2 x+9) /(z-3)$. Then $y+9=2 x+9$, etc.