There were 9 mangosteens more than dragonfruits in a fruit stall. ³₅ of the dragonfruits and ²₃ of the mangosteens were sold. Given that there was an equal number of dragonfruits and mangosteens left, how many dragonfruits were there in the fruit stall at first?
Fraction of the dragonfruits left
= 1 - ³₅
= ²₅

Fraction of the mangosteens left
= 1 - ²₃
= ¹₃

The number of dragonfruits and mangosteens left is the same. Make the number of mangosteens and dragonfruits left the same. LCM of 2 and 1 is 2.

2x15x1 of the dragonfruits = 1x23x2 of the mangosteens
25 of the dragonfruits = 26 of the mangosteens

Number of dragonfruits at first = 5 u
Number of mangosteens at first = 6 u

Number of more mangosteens than dragonfruits at first
= 6 u - 5 u
= 1 u
= 9

Number of dragonfruits at first
= 5 u
= 5 x 9
= 45

Answer(s): 45