Ben and Katie worked together to deliver newspapers. Ben delivered 5 out of every 8 newspapers. When they finished the job, Katie had delivered 8 fewer newspapers than Ben. How many newspapers did Ben deliver?
Let's say they delivered x newspapers in total,
so Ben delivered 5/8x newspapers
Katie delivered 3/8x newspapers
we know Katie delivered 8 fewer than Ben
so 5/8x - 3/8x = 8
2/8x = 8
1/4x = 8
x = 32
so 5/8 * 32 = 20
so Ben delivered 20 newspapers