Fanny had 55 more coins than Mary. After Mary gave away
14 of her coins, Fanny had thrice as many coins as Mary. How many coins did Mary have at first?
| |
Fanny |
Mary |
Comparing Fanny and
Mary at first |
55 more |
|
| Before |
9 u |
4 u |
| Change |
|
- 1 u |
| After |
9 u |
3 u |
Comparing Fanny and
Mary in the end |
3x3 =
9 u |
1x3 =
3 u |
Number of coins that Mary had in the end is repeated. Make the number of coins that Mary had in the end the same. LCM of 1 and 3 is 3.
Number of coins that Fanny had at first = 9 u
Number of coins that Fanny had more than Mary at first
= 9 u - 4 u
= 5 u
5 u = 55
1 u = 55 ÷ 5 = 11
Number of coins that Mary had at first
= 4 u
= 4 x 11
= 44
Answer(s): 44
