Gem had four times as many pens as staplers. After giving away 36 pens and selling 14 pens, she found out that she had thrice as many pens as staplers left.
- How many pens did Gem have at first?
- How many pens and staplers did Gem have altogether at first?
|
Pens |
Staplers |
Total |
Before |
4 u |
1 u |
5 u |
Change 1 |
- 36 |
|
- 1 u |
Change 2 |
- 14 |
|
After |
3 u |
1 u |
4 u |
(a)
The number of staplers remains unchanged.
Number of pens that Gem gave away or sold
= 4 u - 3 u
= 1 u
1 u = 36 + 14 = 50
Number of pens that Gem had at first
= 4 u
= 4 x 50
= 200
(b)
Total number of pens and staplers that Gem had at first
= 1 u + 4 u
= 5 u
= 5 x 50
= 250
Answer(s): (a) 200; (b) 250