The total number of marbles in Basket E, Basket F and Basket G was 69. ³₈ of the marbles from Basket E and 3 marbles from Basket F were removed. More marbles were then added into Basket G until the number of marbles in it was tripled. The ratio of the number of marbles in Basket E to Basket F to Basket G became 5 : 2 : 3.

1. How many less marbles were there in Basket F than Basket E at first?
2. Find the total number of marbles in Basket F and Basket G in the end.

	Basket E	Basket F	Basket G	Total
Before	8 u	2 u + 3	1 u	69
Change	- 3 u	- 3	+ 2 u
After	5 u		3 u
Comparing the marbles  in the end	5 u	2 u	3 u

(a)
Total number of marbles at first
= 8 u + 2 u + 3 + 1 u
= 11 u + 3

11 u + 3 = 69
11 u = 69 - 3
11 u = 66

1 u = 66 ÷ 11 = 6

Number of less marbles in Basket F than Basket E at first 
= 8 u - (2 u + 3)
= 8 u - 2 u - 3
= 6 u - 3
= 6 x 6 - 3
= 36 - 3
= 33

(b)
Total number of marbles in Basket F and Basket G in the end
= 2 u + 3 u
= 5 u
= 5 x 6
= 30 

Answer(s): (a) 33; (b) 30