PSLE
Three men, Sam, Lon and Tom had the same number of notes. Lon and Sam each had of mix of $50-notes and $10-notes. Lon had 10 $10-notes while Sam had 18 $10-notes. Tom had only $50-notes.

1. Of the three men, who had the least money? 
2. What was the difference in the total value of Lon and Sam's notes? 
3. Sam used all his $50-notes to buy a present. Tom then had $970 more than Sam. How many $50-notes did Tom have?

(a)
The three men had the same number of notes.
$10-notes have a lower denomination than $50-notes.

Sam had more $10-notes than Lon while Tom had only the $50-notes.  

Since Sam had the most number of $10-notes, he had the least money.

(b)
Difference in the number of notes of different values
= 18 - 10
= 8

Difference in the value of $50-note and $10-note
= 50 - 10
= $40

Difference in the total value of Lon's and Sam's notes
= 8 x 40
= $320

(c)
Value of $10-notes that Sam had left
= 18 x 10
= $180

Total value that Tom had
= 970 + 180
= $1150

Number of $50-notes that Tom had
= 1150 ÷ 50
= 23

Answer(s): (a) Sam; (b) $320; (c) 23