PSLE
Valen had a collection of files, markers and punchers. He had 320 files. 15% of his collection was markers. He had 44 fewer markers than punchers.

1. How many markers did Valen have?
2. Valen gave away some markers. His total collection decreased by 20%. What percentage of his collection was markers after that?

(a)
15% = ¹⁵₁₀₀ = ³₂₀

Number of markers = 3 u
Number of punchers = 3 u + 44
Number of files = 320
Total number of items = 20 u

20 u = 3 u + 3 u + 44 + 320
20 u - 6 u = 364
14 u = 364

1 u = 364 ÷ 14 = 26

Number of markers
= 3 u
= 3 x 26
= 78

(b)
Total number of items at first
= 20 u
= 20 x 26
= 520

Total collection in the end in percent
= 100% - 20%
= 80%

Number of items after giving away some markers
= 80% x 520
= ⁸⁰₁₀₀ x 520
= 416

Number of punchers and files
= 20 u - 3 u
= 17 u
= 17 x 26
= 442

Number of markers left
= 416 - 442
= 26

Percentage of his collection that was markers after that
= ²⁶₄₁₆ x 100%
= 6.25%

Answer(s): (a) 78; (b) 6.25%