Justin, Will and Cole had a total of 499 buttons at first. After a week, the number of Justin's buttons became 3 times the number of buttons he had at first. The number of Will's buttons decreased by 379. Cole 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 Cole have at first?
- What was the total number of buttons that the three boys had in the end?
|
Justin |
Will |
Cole |
Total |
Before |
1 u |
3 u + 379 |
6 u |
|
Change |
x 3 |
- 379 |
x 12 |
|
After |
3 u |
3 u |
3 u |
9 u |
(a)
Total number of buttons at first
=
1 u + 3 u + 379 + 6 u
= 10 u + 379
10 u + 379 = 49910 u = 499 - 37910 u = 120
1 u = 120 ÷ 10 = 12 Number of buttons that Cole had at first
= 3 u ÷
12= 3 u x
21= 6 u = 6 x 12 = 72(b)Total number of buttons that the three boys had at the end = 9 u = 9 x 12 = 108 Answer(s): (a) 72; (b) 108