Two numbers are in the ratio 5:4. Shreya subtracts 12 from each. The new number is in the ratio of 4:3. Find the smaller number

Sure, let's solve this step by step:

1. Let's assume the two numbers are 5x and 4x (x is a common multiplier).

2. According to the problem, when 12 is subtracted from each of these numbers, the ratio becomes 4:3. So, we can write this as an equation: (5x - 12) / (4x - 12) = 4 / 3.

3. Cross-multiply to solve for x: 3*(5x - 12) = 4*(4x - 12).

4. Simplify the equation: 15x - 36 = 16x - 48.

5. Rearrange the equation to solve for x: 16x - 15x = 48 - 36.

6. Simplify further: x = 12.

7. Now that we have the value of x, we can find the smaller number, which is 4x: 4*12 = 48.

So, the smaller number is 48.