At first, Charlie had 24 caramel apples and Ethan had 5 times as many caramel apples as Charlie. After they each received an equal number of caramel apples from their mother, Ethan had four times as many caramel apples as Charlie. How many caramel apples did their mother give to both of them altogether?
| |
Charlie |
Ethan |
Difference |
| Before |
1x3 =
3 u |
5x3 =
15 u |
4x3 =
12 u |
| Change |
+ 1 u |
+ 1 u |
|
| After |
1x4 =
4 u |
4x4 =
16 u |
3x4 =
12 u |
Since both received an equal number of caramel apples, the difference in the number of caramel apples remains unchanged. LCM of 4 and 3 is 12.
3 u = 24
1 u = 24 ÷ 3 = 8
Number of caramel apples that each received
= 4 u - 3 u
= 1 u
Number of caramel apples that both of them received altogether
= 2 x 1 u
= 2 u
= 2 x 8
= 16
Answer(s): 16
