There are 54 blue and white erasers in Box T. There are 42 blue and brown erasers in Box U. The number of white erasers in Box T is five times the number of brown erasers in Box U. The number of blue erasers in both boxes is the same.
- How many brown erasers are there in Box U?
- Find the total number of blue erasers in both boxes.
(a)
Number of white erasers = 5 u
Number of brown erasers = 1 u
Blue erasers + 5 u = 54 --- (1)
Blue erasers + 1 u = 42 --- (2)
(1) - (2)
5 u - 1 u = 54 - 42
4 u = 12
1 u = 12 ÷ 4 = 3
Number of brown erasers
= 1 u
= 3
(b)
Number of blue erasers in Box U
= 42 - 3
= 39
Number of blue erasers in both boxes
= 2 x 39
= 78
Answer(s): (a) 3; (b) 78