Question:
Jo's collection contains US, Indian and British stamps. If the ratio of US to Indian stamps is 5 to 2 and the ratio of Indian to British stamps is 5 to 1, what is the ratio of US to British stamps?

Option A):
25 : 2
Option B):
10 : 5
Option C):
15 : 2
Option D):
20 : 2

Correct Answer is Option A):
25 : 2

Explanation:
Indian stamps are common to both ratios. Multiply both ratios by factors such that the Indian stamps are represented by the same number.
US : Indian = 5 : 2, and Indian : British = 5 : 1. Multiply the first by 5, and the second by 2.
Now US : Indian = 25 : 10, and Indian : British = 10 : 2
Hence the two ratios can be combined and US : British = 25 : 2