Two hours ago, a grocer started his day with some pears and oranges in the ratio of 5 : 4. There were 240 oranges. Some of the pears were bought by Xylia. As a result, the number of pears became
45 of the oranges.
- How many pears did the grocer have at first?
- How many oranges did the grocer have to sell in order to have an equal number of pears and oranges?
|
Pears |
Oranges |
Before |
5x5 = 25 u |
4x5 = 20 u |
Change |
- ? |
|
After |
4x4 = 16 u |
5x4 = 20 u |
(a)
The number of oranges remains unchanged. Make the number of oranges the same. LCM of 4 and 5 is 20.
20 u = 240
1 u = 240 ÷ 20 = 12
Number of pears that the grocer had at first
= 25 u
= 25 x 12
= 300
(b)
Number of oranges that the grocer had to sell to have an equal number of pears and oranges
= 20 u - 16 u
= 4 u
= 4 x 12
= 48
Answer(s): (a) 300; (b) 48