Gem had thrice as many pens as notebooks. After giving away 53 pens and selling 27 pens, she found out that she had twice as many pens as notebooks left.
- How many pens did Gem have at first?
- How many pens and notebooks did Gem have altogether at first?
|
Pens |
Notebooks |
Total |
Before |
3 u |
1 u |
4 u |
Change 1 |
- 53 |
|
- 1 u |
Change 2 |
- 27 |
|
After |
2 u |
1 u |
3 u |
(a)
The number of notebooks remains unchanged.
Number of pens that Gem gave away or sold
= 3 u - 2 u
= 1 u
1 u = 53 + 27 = 80
Number of pens that Gem had at first
= 3 u
= 3 x 80
= 240
(b)
Total number of pens and notebooks that Gem had at first
= 1 u + 3 u
= 4 u
= 4 x 80
= 320
Answer(s): (a) 240; (b) 320