Class a has x students and class b has y students. the average of class a is 85 and class b is 90. when the scores of class a and b are combine the average is 88, what is the ratio of x to y

The total scores of the x students from class A can be calculated by multiplying x and the average which is equal to 85. That is 85x.

In similar manner, we are able to find for the total scores of the students from Class B. That would be, 90y.

Combining the scores, the new average then becomes 88. This is equal to,

                                 (85x + 90y) / (x + y ) = 88

Cross-multiplying,
                            85x + 90y = 88x + 88y

Combine all the x's and y's in each side of the equation.

                        85x - 88x = 88y - 90y

Combining terms,
                              -3x = -2y

The ratio is obtained through the step below,
                         -3x/-3y = -2y/-3y

                            x/y = 2/3

Thus, the ratio is 2/3. 

That they are numbers and related to each other.

B. 16is the absolute value