Sarah, Lynn and Rachel had candy canes in the ratio of 11 : 3 : 1. After Sarah gave 72 candy canes to Lynn and Rachel, the three of them had the same number of candy canes. Find the total number of candy canes the children had.
| |
Sarah |
Lynn |
Rachel |
Total |
| Before |
11 u |
3 u |
1 u |
15 u |
| Change |
- 72 |
+ 72 |
|
| After |
5 u |
5 u |
5 u |
15 u |
Total number of candy canes
= 11 u + 3 u + 1 u
= 15 u
Number of candy canes that each had in the end
= 15 u ÷ 3
= 5 u
Number of candy canes that Sarah gave to Lynn and Rachel
= 11 u - 5 u
= 6 u
6 u = 72
1 u = 72 ÷ 6 = 12
Total number of candy canes
= 15 u
= 15 x 12
= 180
Answer(s): 180
