Mary had 43 more smoothed stones than Raeann at first. After Mary bought another 17 smoothed stones, she had thrice as many smoothed stones as Raeann. How many smoothed stones did Mary have at first?
| |
Mary |
Raeann |
| Before |
1 u + 43 |
1 u |
| Change |
+ 17 |
|
| After |
1 u + 60 |
1 u |
Number of smoothed stones Mary had in the end
= 3 x 1 u
= 3 u
3 u = 1 u + 60
3 u - 1 u = 60
2 u = 60
1 u = 60 ÷ 2 = 30
Number of smoothed stones Mary had at first
= 1 u + 43
= 30 + 43
= 73
Answer(s): 73
