Lucy bought thrice as many shortbreads as Eric. After Lucy ate 4 shortbreads, she had 8 more shortbreads than Eric. How many shortbreads did they buy altogether?
| |
Lucy |
Eric |
Total |
| Before |
3 u |
1 u |
4 u |
| Change |
- 4 |
|
|
| After |
3 u - 4 |
1 u |
|
The number of shortbreads that Eric had remains unchanged.
If Eric had another 8 shortbreads in the end, the number of shortbreads that Lucy and Eric had would be the same.
3 u - 4 = 1 u + 8
3 u - 1 u = 8 + 4
2 u = 12
1 u = 12 ÷ 2 = 6
Total number of shortbreads
= 3 u + 1 u
= 4 u
= 4 x 6
= 24
Answer(s): 24
