Ethan, Mark and Ben had a total of 480 buttons at first. After a week, the number of Ethan's buttons became 3 times the number of buttons he had at first. The number of Mark's buttons decreased by 220. Ben had half as many buttons as he had at first. In the end, the three boys had the same number of buttons.
- How many buttons did Ben have at first?
- What was the total number of buttons that the three boys had in the end?
|
Ethan |
Mark |
Ben |
Total |
Before |
1 u |
3 u + 220 |
6 u |
|
Change |
x 3 |
- 220 |
x 12 |
|
After |
3 u |
3 u |
3 u |
9 u |
(a)
Total number of buttons at first
=
1 u + 3 u + 220 + 6 u
= 10 u + 220
10 u + 220 = 48010 u = 480 - 22010 u = 260
1 u = 260 ÷ 10 = 26 Number of buttons that Ben had at first
= 3 u ÷
12= 3 u x
21= 6 u = 6 x 26 = 156(b)Total number of buttons that the three boys had at the end = 9 u = 9 x 26 = 234 Answer(s): (a) 156; (b) 234