Mark and Michael shared some stamps in the ratio of 3 : 8. After both each gave away 44 stamps to their brother, the ratio of the number of stamps Mark had to the total number of stamps left was 1 : 5. How many stamps did the two boys have at first?

	Mark	Michael	Difference
Before	3x3 = 9 u	8x3 = 24 u	5x3 = 15 u
Change	- 44	- 44
After	1x5 = 5 u	4x5 = 20 u	3x5 = 15 u

Number of stamps that Mark and Michael each gave to their brother is the same.

The difference in the number of stamps at first and in the end between Mark and Michael remains unchanged.  Make the difference in the number of stamps the same.  LCM of 5 and 3 is 15.

Number of stamps that Mark gave to their brother
= 9 u - 5 u
= 4 u

4 u = 44

1 u = 44 ÷ 4 = 11

Number of stamps that the two boys had at first
= 9 u + 24 u
= 33 u
= 33 x 11
= 363

Answer(s): 363