Fabian had 5 times as many pens as Nick at first. Then each of them bought an equal number of new pens. In the end, Nick had 24 pens and Fabian had 3 times as many pens as Nick. How many pens did both of them buy altogether?
| |
Fabian |
Nick |
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 Nick had in the end = 2 u
2 u = 24
1 u = 24 ÷ 2 = 12
Number of pens that Fabian bought
= 6 u - 5 u
= 1 u
Number of pens that both of them bought altogether
= 2 x 1 u
= 2 u
= 2 x 12
= 24
Answer(s): 24
