Gillian gave 4 marbles to every girl and 6 marbles to every boy in her class. There were 6 more girls than boys in the class. She gave away 32 more marbles to the boys than the girls.
- How many children were there in the class?
- How many marbles were there altogether?
(a)
There were 6 more girls than boys.
If we remove the 6 extra girls, the number of girls and boys will be the same.
The difference in the number of marbles given between the girls and boys will increase.
Increase in the difference of the number of marbles if there were 6 less girls
= 6 x 4
= 24
Total difference in the number of marbles between the girls and the boys
= 32 + 24
= 56
Number of more marbles given to each girl than each boy
= 6 - 4
= 2
Number of sets of 1 girl and 1 boy
= 56 ÷ 2
= 28
Number of boys = 28
Number of girls
= 28 + 6
= 34
Number of children
= 28 + 34
= 62
(b)
Total number of marbles
= 28 x 6 + 34 x 4
= 168 + 136
= 304
Answer(s): (a) 62; (b) 304
