Two numbers have a ratio of 3 to 5. After subtracting 9 from each number, their ratio becomes 12 to 23. What is the value of the smaller number?

Explanation

Let the two numbers be 3x and 5x. After subtracting 9, their ratio is (3x - 9) / (5x - 9) = 12 / 23. Cross-multiplying and solving for x gives x = 9. Therefore, the smaller number is 3x = 27.