Abi had 9 more cupcakes than Esther at first. After Abi ate 5 cupcakes, she had thrice as many cupcakes as Esther in the end. How many cupcakes did Esther have?
| |
Esther |
Abi |
| Before |
1 u |
1 u + 9 |
| Change |
|
- 5 |
| After |
1 u |
1 u + 4 |
Comparing Esther
and Abi in the end |
1 u |
3 u |
The number of cupcakes that Esther had remains unchanged.
Number of cupcakes that Abi had in the end
= 3 x 1 u
= 3 u
3 u = 1 u + 4
3 u - 1 u = 4
2 u = 4
1 u = 4 ÷ 2 = 2
Number of cupcakes that Esther had
= 1 u
= 2
Answer(s): 2
