Correct Answer - Option 2 : 33
Let the original numbers be 3x and 5x.
When 9 is subtracted from both numbers :
∴ 23 ⨯ [3x - 9] = 12 ⨯ [5x - 9]
∴ 69x − 207 = 60x − 108
∴ 9x = 99
∴ x = 11
∴ Smaller number = 3x = 3 ⨯ 11 = 33
Hence, ‘33’ is the correct answer.