Eric had 5 times as many beads as Howard at first. Then each of them bought an equal number of new beads. In the end, Howard had 40 beads and Eric had 4 times as many beads as Howard. How many beads did both of them buy altogether?
| |
Eric |
Howard |
Difference |
| Before |
5x3 =
15 u |
1x3 =
3 u |
4x3 =
12 u |
| Change |
+ ? |
+ ? |
|
| After |
4x4 =
16 u |
1x4 =
4 u |
3x4 =
12 u |
The difference in the number of beads at first and in the end remains unchanged. Make the difference in the number of beads at first and in the end the same. LCM of 4 and 3 is 12.
Number of beads that Howard had in the end = 4 u
4 u = 40
1 u = 40 ÷ 4 = 10
Number of beads that Eric bought
= 16 u - 15 u
= 1 u
Number of beads that both of them bought altogether
= 2 x 1 u
= 2 u
= 2 x 10
= 20
Answer(s): 20
