In a bookstore, the number of rulers was
12 of the total number of rulers and staplers together. Vincent sold the rulers and staplers in sets of 4 rulers and 8 staplers. After selling all the staplers, he still had 16 rulers left. How many rulers were in the bookstore at first?
| |
Rulers |
Staplers |
| Before |
1x8 =
8 u |
1x8 =
8 u |
| Change |
- 4x1 =
- 4 u |
- 8x1 =
- 8 u |
| After |
16 |
0 |
Since all the staplers were sold, the number of staplers at first and the number of staplers sold were the same. Make the number of staplers at first and sold the same. LCM of 1 and 8 is 8.
Number of rulers sold
= 8 u - 4 u
= 4 u
4 u = 16
1 u = 16 ÷ 4 = 4
Number of rulers at first
= 8 u
= 8 x 4
= 32
Answer(s): 32
