Gem and Gwen had an equal number of candy canes. After Gem bought another 27 candy canes and Gwen bought another 5 candy canes, Gem had thrice as many candy canes as Gwen. Find the number of candy canes that each of them had at first.
| |
Gem |
Gwen |
| Before |
3 u - 27 |
1 u - 5 |
| Change |
+ 27 |
+ 5 |
| After |
3 u |
1 u |
The number of candy canes that Gem and Gwen had at first is the same.
3 u - 27 = 1 u - 5
3 u - 1 u = 27 - 5
2 u = 22
1 u = 22 ÷ 2 = 11
Number of candy canes that each had at first
= 11 - 5
= 6
Answer(s): 6
