PSLE The number of boys and girls in a canteen were in the ratio 1 : 5. After 12 boys entered the canteen and half the number of girls left the canteen, the ratio of the number of boys to girls became 1 : 1. How many children were there in the canteen at first?
|
boys |
girls |
Total |
Before |
1 u |
5 u |
6 u |
Change |
+ 12 |
- 2.5 u |
|
After |
1 u + 12 |
2.5 u |
|
Number of girls who left the canteen
= 5 u ÷ 2
= 2.5 u
Number of boys in the end = 1 u + 12
Number of girls in the end = 2.5 u
Since the ratio of the number of boys to girls in the end is 1 : 1, the number of boys and girls in the end is equal.
2.5 u = 1 u + 12
2.5 u - 1 u = 12
1.5 u = 12
1 u = 12 ÷ 1.5 = 8
Total number of children in the canteen at first
= 1 u + 5 u
= 6 u
= 6 x 8
= 48
Answer(s): 48