George had 5 times as many buttons as Liam at first. Then each of them bought an equal number of new buttons. In the end, Liam had 18 buttons and George had 3 times as many buttons as Liam. How many buttons did both of them buy altogether?
| |
George |
Liam |
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 buttons at first and in the end remains unchanged. Make the difference in the number of buttons at first and in the end the same. LCM of 4 and 2 is 4.
Number of buttons that Liam had in the end = 2 u
2 u = 18
1 u = 18 ÷ 2 = 9
Number of buttons that George bought
= 6 u - 5 u
= 1 u
Number of buttons that both of them bought altogether
= 2 x 1 u
= 2 u
= 2 x 9
= 18
Answer(s): 18
