Elijah had 4 times as many pens as Fabian at first. Then each of them bought an equal number of new pens. In the end, Fabian had 24 pens and Elijah had 3 times as many pens as Fabian. How many pens did both of them buy altogether?
| |
Elijah |
Fabian |
Difference |
| Before |
4x2 =
8 u |
1x2 =
2 u |
3x2 =
6 u |
| Change |
+ ? |
+ ? |
|
| After |
3x3 =
9 u |
1x3 =
3 u |
2x3 =
6 u |
The difference in the number of pens at first and in the end remains unchanged. Make the difference in the number of pens at first and in the end the same. LCM of 3 and 2 is 6.
Number of pens that Fabian had in the end = 3 u
3 u = 24
1 u = 24 ÷ 3 = 8
Number of pens that Elijah bought
= 9 u - 8 u
= 1 u
Number of pens that both of them bought altogether
= 2 x 1 u
= 2 u
= 2 x 8
= 16
Answer(s): 16
