There were 5 mangosteens more than persimmons in a fruit stall. ³₅ of the persimmons and ²₃ of the mangosteens were sold. Given that there was an equal number of persimmons and mangosteens left, how many persimmons were there in the fruit stall at first?
Fraction of the persimmons left
= 1 - ³₅
= ²₅

Fraction of the mangosteens left
= 1 - ²₃
= ¹₃

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

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

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

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

Number of persimmons at first
= 5 u
= 5 x 5
= 25

Answer(s): 25