What is the smallest number that should be added to each term of the ratio 5:3 to convert the ratio to 5:4?

To solve this problem, we need to find a number that when added to both terms of the ratio 5:3, it becomes 5:4.

Step 1: Let's denote the number we are looking for as x.

Step 2: We can set up the equation as follows: (5 + x) / (3 + x) = 5 / 4

Step 3: Cross multiply to solve for x: 4*(5 + x) = 5*(3 + x)

Step 4: Simplify the equation: 20 + 4x = 15 + 5x

Step 5: Solve for x: x = 20 - 15 = 5

So, the smallest number that should be added to each term of the ratio 5:3 to convert the ratio to 5:4 is 5.