Last Sunday, Oscar had thrice as many pens as Ian. Today, Oscar gives 16 of his pens to his brother. Now, Ian has thrice as many pens as Oscar. How many pens does Ian have?
| |
Oscar |
Ian |
| Before |
3x3 =
9 u |
1x3 =
3 u |
| Change |
- 16 |
|
| After |
1 u |
3 u |
The number of pens that Ian had at first and in the end remains unchanged. Make the number of pens that Ian has the same. LCM of 1 and 3 is 3.
Number of pens that Oscar gives to his brother
= 9 u - 1 u
= 8 u
8 u = 16
1 u = 16 ÷ 8 = 2
Number of pens that Ian has
= 3 u
= 3 x 2
= 6
Answer(s): 6
