The sum, S of ratio is S = 5 + 3 + 2 = 10. But highest share = \(\frac{5}{10} \times T\), where T is the total number of apples. Thus, \(40 = \frac{5}{10} \times T\), given 40 x 10 = 5T, \(T = \frac{40 \times 10}{5} = 80\) Hence the smallest share = \(\frac{2}{10} \times 80\) = 16 apples