At first, Paul had 21 lollipops and Elijah had 5 times as many lollipops as Paul. After they each received an equal number of lollipops from their uncle, Elijah had four times as many lollipops as Paul. How many lollipops did their uncle give to both of them altogether?
| |
Paul |
Elijah |
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 lollipops, the difference in the number of lollipops remains unchanged. LCM of 4 and 3 is 12.
3 u = 21
1 u = 21 ÷ 3 = 7
Number of lollipops that each received
= 4 u - 3 u
= 1 u
Number of lollipops that both of them received altogether
= 2 x 1 u
= 2 u
= 2 x 7
= 14
Answer(s): 14
