The number of stamps that May and Henry had at first was in the ratio of 3 : 1. After May bought 36 stamps and Henry sold 20 stamps, May then had 5 times as many stamps as Henry. How many stamps did Henry have at first? The answer is 68. But I do not know the steps. Can someone help, but pls do not use algebra. thks!
2007-09-27 01:33:25 · 2 answers · asked by evabree 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
Let x = Henry's stamps at first, 3x = May's stamps at first.
Ratio: 3x + 36 : x - 20 = 5x : x. Rule: The product of the means equals the product of the extremes that is why the following equation may then be formulated.
Henry's stamps at first:
5x(x - 20) = x(3x + 36)
5x^2 - 100x = 3x^2 + 36x
2x^2 = 136x
x^2 = 68x
x = 68
May's stamps at first:
= 68 * 3
= 204
Answer: Henry's stamps were 68 at first.
Proof (after buying & selling May's stamps is 5 times that of Henry's):
= (204 + 36) / (68 - 20)
= 240 / 48
= 5
2007-09-30 23:21:44 · answer #1 · answered by Jun Agruda 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
M/H=3/1
M+36 =5(H-20)
M=3H
so
3H+36= 5H-100
2H = 136 and H = 68 and M = 204
2007-09-27 09:21:00 · answer #2 · answered by santmann2002 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋