Step 1: {Understanding Magnifying Power of a Telescope}
The magnification \( M \) of an astronomical telescope in normal adjustment is calculated as the ratio of the objective's focal length (\( f_o \)) to the eyepiece's focal length (\( f_e \)):\[M = \frac{f_o}{f_e}\]Step 2: {Using Given Information}
We are given that the magnification \( M = 9 \), leading to the equation:\[\frac{f_o}{f_e} = 9\]Additionally, the total distance between the objective and eyepiece is 20 cm:\[f_o + f_e = 20\]Step 3: {Solving for \( f_o \) and \( f_e \)}
Substituting the first equation into the second:\[9f_e + f_e = 20\]This simplifies to:\[10f_e = 20\]Solving for \( f_e \) and then \( f_o \):\[f_e = 2 { cm}, \quad f_o = 18 { cm}\]Verifying the ratio of focal lengths:\[\frac{f_o}{f_e} = 9\]The final answer, representing the ratio of focal lengths, is \( 9 \).