Gem and Esther had an equal number of mini cupcakes. After Gem bought another 29 mini cupcakes and Esther bought another 5 mini cupcakes, Gem had thrice as many mini cupcakes as Esther. Find the number of mini cupcakes that each of them had at first.
| |
Gem |
Esther |
| Before |
3 u - 29 |
1 u - 5 |
| Change |
+ 29 |
+ 5 |
| After |
3 u |
1 u |
The number of mini cupcakes that Gem and Esther had at first is the same.
3 u - 29 = 1 u - 5
3 u - 1 u = 29 - 5
2 u = 24
1 u = 24 ÷ 2 = 12
Number of mini cupcakes that each had at first
= 12 - 5
= 7
Answer(s): 7
