Gabriel, Owen and Sean had some stamps in the ratio of 2 : 3 : 5. Sean gave 40% of his stamps to Gabriel and Owen. As a result, Gabriel had the same number of stamps as Owen and Sean had 41 fewer stamps than Gabriel.

1. What was the percentage increase in Gabriel's stamps after receiving from Sean?
2. How many stamps did Owen have at first?

Gabriel	Owen	Sean	Total
2 u	3 u	5 u	10 u
+ 2 u		- 2 u
3.5 u	3.5 u	3 u	10 u

(a)
Number of stamps that Sean gave away
= 40% x 5
= ⁴⁰₁₀₀ x 5
= 2 u

Number of stamps that Gabriel and Owen each had in the end
= (10 u - 3 u) ÷ 2
= 7 u ÷ 2
= 3.5 u

Increase in the number of stamps that Gabriel had
= 3.5 u - 2 u
= 1.5 u

Percentage increase in Gabriel's stamps after receiving from Sean
= ^1.5₂ x 100%
= 75%

(b)
3.5 u = 3 u + 41
3.5 u - 3 u = 41
0.5 u = 41

1 u = 41 ÷ 0.5 = 82

Number of stamps that Owen had at first
= 3 u
= 3 x 82
= 246

Answer(s): (a) 75%; (b) 246