How do you start solving a ratio question where something is added to the ratios?

To start solving a ratio question where something is added to the ratios, writing both the old and new ratios as two equations is a very effective approach. This is because ratios represent a relationship between quantities, and when changes are made to these quantities, it's crucial to express both the original and modified relationships clearly in mathematical form.

By establishing two equations, one for the original ratio and another for the new ratio after the addition, you can effectively capture the change while maintaining clarity in how each element contributes to the overall relationship. This method allows you to solve for unknown values step by step, facilitating an understanding of how the addition impacts each part of the ratio.

Utilizing equations provides a structured way to isolate variables and compute their values in relation to one another, especially when dealing with additional quantities in the context of ratios. In contrast, the other options may not effectively guide you through the underlying relationships necessary for solving the problem at hand. Writing the new ratio as one equation could lead to confusion since it does not take into account the original ratio. Expressing the ratios as percentages or decimals could complicate the issue as well, diverting focus from the direct relationship represented by the ratios.