Zoe and Esther had an equal number of candy canes. After Zoe bought another 20 candy canes and Esther bought another 4 candy canes, Zoe had thrice as many candy canes as Esther. Find the number of candy canes that each of them had at first.
| |
Zoe |
Esther |
| Before |
3 u - 20 |
1 u - 4 |
| Change |
+ 20 |
+ 4 |
| After |
3 u |
1 u |
The number of candy canes that Zoe and Esther had at first is the same.
3 u - 20 = 1 u - 4
3 u - 1 u = 20 - 4
2 u = 16
1 u = 16 ÷ 2 = 8
Number of candy canes that each had at first
= 8 - 4
= 4
Answer(s): 4
