Eric, Pierre and Japheth had some marbles in the ratio of 4 : 5 : 9. Japheth gave 40% of his marbles to Eric and Pierre. As a result, Eric had the same number of marbles as Pierre and Japheth had 27 fewer marbles than Eric.

1. What was the percentage increase in Eric's marbles after receiving from Japheth?
2. How many marbles did Pierre have at first?

Eric	Pierre	Japheth	Total
4 u	5 u	9 u	18 u
+ 3.6 u		- 3.6 u
6.3 u	6.3 u	5.4 u	18 u

(a)
Number of marbles that Japheth gave away
= 40% x 9
= ⁴⁰₁₀₀ x 9
= 3.6 u

Number of marbles that Eric and Pierre each had in the end
= (18 u - 5.4 u) ÷ 2
= 12.6 u ÷ 2
= 6.3 u

Increase in the number of marbles that Eric had
= 6.3 u - 4 u
= 2.3 u

Percentage increase in Eric's marbles after receiving from Japheth
= ^2.3₄ x 100%
= 57.5%

(b)
6.3 u = 5.4 u + 27
6.3 u - 5.4 u = 27
0.9 u = 27

1 u = 27 ÷ 0.9 = 30

Number of marbles that Pierre had at first
= 5 u
= 5 x 30
= 150

Answer(s): (a) 57.5%; (b) 150