George had 5 times as many pens as Simon at first. Then each of them bought an equal number of new pens. In the end, Simon had 6 pens and George had 3 times as many pens as Simon. How many pens did both of them buy altogether?
| |
George |
Simon |
Difference |
| Before |
5x1 =
5 u |
1x1 =
1 u |
4x1 =
4 u |
| Change |
+ ? |
+ ? |
|
| After |
3x2 =
6 u |
1x2 =
2 u |
2x2 =
4 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 4 and 2 is 4.
Number of pens that Simon had in the end = 2 u
2 u = 6
1 u = 6 ÷ 2 = 3
Number of pens that George bought
= 6 u - 5 u
= 1 u
Number of pens that both of them bought altogether
= 2 x 1 u
= 2 u
= 2 x 3
= 6
Answer(s): 6
