Mark, Bobby and Michael had a total of 440 buttons at first. After a week, the number of Mark's buttons became 3 times the number of buttons he had at first. The number of Bobby's buttons decreased by 56. Michael had one-quarter as many buttons as he had at first. In the end, the three boys had the same number of buttons.
- How many buttons did Michael have at first?
- What was the total number of buttons that the three boys had in the end?
|
Mark |
Bobby |
Michael |
Total |
Before |
1 u |
3 u + 56 |
12 u |
|
Change |
x 3 |
- 56 |
x 14 |
|
After |
3 u |
3 u |
3 u |
9 u |
(a)
Total number of buttons at first
=
1 u + 3 u + 56 + 12 u
= 16 u + 56
16 u + 56 = 44016 u = 440 - 5616 u = 384
1 u = 384 ÷ 16 = 24 Number of buttons that Michael had at first
= 3 u ÷
14= 3 u x
41= 12 u = 12 x 24 = 288(b)Total number of buttons that the three boys had at the end = 9 u = 9 x 24 = 216 Answer(s): (a) 288; (b) 216