In March, Lynn and Xavier had marbles in the ratio 5 : 3. In April, each of them gave away the same number of marbles. Lynn then had four times as many marbles as Xavier.
- Find the ratio of the number of marbles Xavier had in March to the number of marbles he had in April.
- Find the ratio of the total number of marbles both had in March to the total number of marbles both had in April.
| |
Lynn |
Xavier |
Difference |
| Before |
5x3 =
15 u |
3x3 =
9 u |
2x3 =
6 u |
| Change |
- 7 u |
- 7 u |
|
| After |
4x2 =
8 u |
1x2 =
2 u |
3x2 =
6 u |
(a)
Since Lynn and Xavier gave away the same number of marbles, the difference in the number of marbles between Lynn and Xavier at first and in the end remains the same.
Make the difference in the number of marbles at first and in the end the same. LCM of 2 and 3 is 6.
Xavier's marbles in March : Xavier's marbles in April
9 : 2
(b)
Total number of marbles in March
= 15 u + 9 u
= 24 u
Total number of marbles in April
= 8 u + 2 u
= 10 u
Total marbles in March : Total marbles in April
24 : 10
(÷2)12 : 5
Answer(s): (a) 9 : 2; (b) 12 : 5
