Sarah, Olivia and Zoe had candy canes in the ratio of 7 : 2 : 3. After Sarah gave 15 candy canes to Olivia and Zoe, the three of them had the same number of candy canes. Find the total number of candy canes the children had.
| |
Sarah |
Olivia |
Zoe |
Total |
| Before |
7 u |
2 u |
3 u |
12 u |
| Change |
- 15 |
+ 15 |
|
| After |
4 u |
4 u |
4 u |
12 u |
Total number of candy canes
= 7 u + 2 u + 3 u
= 12 u
Number of candy canes that each had in the end
= 12 u ÷ 3
= 4 u
Number of candy canes that Sarah gave to Olivia and Zoe
= 7 u - 4 u
= 3 u
3 u = 15
1 u = 15 ÷ 3 = 5
Total number of candy canes
= 12 u
= 12 x 5
= 60
Answer(s): 60
