There were some pens in Box M and Box N. After Charlie transferred
15 of the pens from Box M to Box N, the ratio of the number of pens in Box M to that in Box N changed to 1 : 5. Find the ratio of the numbers of pens in Box M to the number of pens in Box N at first.
|
Box M |
Box N |
Before |
5x1 = 5 u |
19 u |
Change |
- 1x1 = - 1 u |
+ 1 u |
After |
4x1 = 4 u |
|
Comparing Box M and Box N in the end |
1x4 = 4 u |
5x4 = 20 u |
The number of pens in Box M in the end is repeated. Make the number of pens in Box M in the end the same. LCM of 4 and 1 is 4.
At first
Box M : Box N
5 : 19
Answer(s): 5 : 19