Penelope had 37 more smoothed stones than Jen at first. After Penelope bought another 15 smoothed stones, she had thrice as many smoothed stones as Jen. How many smoothed stones did Penelope have at first?
| |
Penelope |
Jen |
| Before |
1 u + 37 |
1 u |
| Change |
+ 15 |
|
| After |
1 u + 52 |
1 u |
Number of smoothed stones Penelope had in the end
= 3 x 1 u
= 3 u
3 u = 1 u + 52
3 u - 1 u = 52
2 u = 52
1 u = 52 ÷ 2 = 26
Number of smoothed stones Penelope had at first
= 1 u + 37
= 26 + 37
= 63
Answer(s): 63
