At first, Paul had thrice as many caramel apples as Brandon. After they each gave away 12 caramel apples, Paul had 7 times as many caramel apples as Brandon. How many caramel apples did they have altogether at first?
| |
Paul |
Brandon |
Difference |
| Before |
3x3 =
9 u |
1x3 =
3 u |
2x3 =
6 u |
| Change |
- 12 |
- 12 |
|
| After |
7 u |
1 u |
6 u |
Since they both gave away the same number of caramel apples, their difference in the number of caramel apples remains the same. Make the difference in the number of caramel apples the same. LCM of 2 and 6 is 6.
Number of caramel apples that each gave away
= 9 u - 7 u
= 2 u
2 u = 12
1 u = 12 ÷ 2 = 6
Number of caramel apples that they had altogether at first
= 9 u + 3 u
= 12 u
= 12 x 6
= 72
Answer(s): 72
