Nicole, Sarah and Barbara had jelly beans in the ratio of 9 : 2 : 4. After Nicole gave 72 jelly beans to Sarah and Barbara, the three of them had the same number of jelly beans. Find the total number of jelly beans the children had.
| |
Nicole |
Sarah |
Barbara |
Total |
| Before |
9 u |
2 u |
4 u |
15 u |
| Change |
- 72 |
+ 72 |
|
| After |
5 u |
5 u |
5 u |
15 u |
Total number of jelly beans
= 9 u + 2 u + 4 u
= 15 u
Number of jelly beans that each had in the end
= 15 u ÷ 3
= 5 u
Number of jelly beans that Nicole gave to Sarah and Barbara
= 9 u - 5 u
= 4 u
4 u = 72
1 u = 72 ÷ 4 = 18
Total number of jelly beans
= 15 u
= 15 x 18
= 270
Answer(s): 270
