Gabby had four times as many notebooks as staplers. After giving away 53 notebooks and selling 16 notebooks, she found out that she had thrice as many notebooks as staplers left.
- How many notebooks did Gabby have at first?
- How many notebooks and staplers did Gabby have altogether at first?
|
Notebooks |
Staplers |
Total |
Before |
4 u |
1 u |
5 u |
Change 1 |
- 53 |
|
- 1 u |
Change 2 |
- 16 |
|
After |
3 u |
1 u |
4 u |
(a)
The number of staplers remains unchanged.
Number of notebooks that Gabby gave away or sold
= 4 u - 3 u
= 1 u
1 u = 53 + 16 = 69
Number of notebooks that Gabby had at first
= 4 u
= 4 x 69
= 276
(b)
Total number of notebooks and staplers that Gabby had at first
= 1 u + 4 u
= 5 u
= 5 x 69
= 345
Answer(s): (a) 276; (b) 345