Zeph and Daniel shared some stamps in the ratio of 5 : 8. After both each gave away 4 stamps to their cousin, the ratio of the number of stamps Zeph had to the total number of stamps left was 1 : 3. How many stamps did the two boys have in the end?

	Zeph	Daniel	Difference
Before	5x1 = 5 u	8x1 = 8 u	3x1 = 3 u
Change	- 4	- 4
After	1x3 = 3 u	2x3 = 6 u	1x3 = 3 u

Number of stamps that Zeph and Daniel each gave to their cousin is the same.

The difference in the number of stamps at first and in the end between Zeph and Daniel remains unchanged.  Make the difference in the number of stamps the same.  LCM of 3 and 1 is 3.

Number of stamps that Zeph gave to their cousin
= 5 u - 3 u
= 2 u

2 u = 4

1 u = 4 ÷ 2 = 2

Number of stamps that the two boys had in the end
= 3 u + 6 u
= 9 u
= 9 x 2
= 18

Answer(s): 18