John and Xavier had the same number of marbles. John gave away
34 of his marbles while Xavier gave away
35 of his marbles. Given that John gave away 12 marbles more than Xavier, how many marbles did John have at first?
| |
John's marbles |
Xavier's marbles |
| Before |
4x5 =
20 u |
5x4 =
20 u |
| Change |
- 3x5 =
- 15 u |
- 3x4 =
- 12 u |
| After |
1x5 =
5 u |
2x4 =
8 u |
The number of cards that John and Xavier each had at first is the same. Make the number of cards that John and Xavier each had at first the same. LCM of 4 and 5 is 20.
Number of marbles that John gave away more than Xavier
= 15 u - 12 u
= 3 u
3 u = 12
1 u = 12 ÷ 3 = 4
Number of marbles that John had at first
= 20 u
= 20 x 4
= 80
Answer(s): 80
