In March, Jaslyn and Eric had pens in the ratio 2 : 1. In April, each of them gave away the same number of pens. Jaslyn then had five times as many pens as Eric.
- Find the ratio of the number of pens Eric had in March to the number of pens he had in April.
- Find the ratio of the total number of pens both had in March to the total number of pens both had in April.
| |
Jaslyn |
Eric |
Difference |
| Before |
2x4 =
8 u |
1x4 =
4 u |
1x4 =
4 u |
| Change |
- 3 u |
- 3 u |
|
| After |
5x1 =
5 u |
1x1 =
1 u |
4x1 =
4 u |
(a)
Since Jaslyn and Eric gave away the same number of pens, the difference in the number of pens between Jaslyn and Eric at first and in the end remains the same.
Make the difference in the number of pens at first and in the end the same. LCM of 1 and 4 is 4.
Eric's pens in March : Eric's pens in April
4 : 1
(b)
Total number of pens in March
= 8 u + 4 u
= 12 u
Total number of pens in April
= 5 u + 1 u
= 6 u
Total pens in March : Total pens in April
12 : 6
(÷6)2 : 1
Answer(s): (a) 4 : 1; (b) 2 : 1
