Six hours ago, a grocer started his day with some pomegranates and pears in the ratio of 5 : 3. There were 60 pears. Some of the pomegranates were bought by Elyse. As a result, the number of pomegranates became
35 of the pears.
- How many pomegranates did the grocer have at first?
- How many pears did the grocer have to sell in order to have an equal number of pomegranates and pears?
|
Pomegranates |
Pears |
Before |
5x5 = 25 u |
3x5 = 15 u |
Change |
- ? |
|
After |
3x3 = 9 u |
5x3 = 15 u |
(a)
The number of pears remains unchanged. Make the number of pears the same. LCM of 3 and 5 is 15.
15 u = 60
1 u = 60 ÷ 15 = 4
Number of pomegranates that the grocer had at first
= 25 u
= 25 x 4
= 100
(b)
Number of pears that the grocer had to sell to have an equal number of pomegranates and pears
= 15 u - 9 u
= 6 u
= 6 x 4
= 24
Answer(s): (a) 100; (b) 24