At first, Jareth had 80 marbles and some erasers. After he gave away 12 marbles and 25% of his erasers, he had a total of 128 marbles and erasers left. How many erasers did Jareth give away?

1 answer

m = marbles at first

e = erasers at first

m = 80

After he gave away 12 marbles he have 80 - 12 = 68 marbles,

After he gave away 25% of his erasers he have 75% erasers.

75% = 75 / 100 = 25 ∙ 3 / 25 ∙ 4 = 3 / 4

He have 68 marbles and 3 / 4 erasers.

He had a total of 128 marbles and erasers means:

68 + 3 / 4 e = 128

Subtract 68 to both sides

3 / 4 e = 60

Multiply both sides by 4

3 e = 240

e = 240 / 3 = 80

At first, Jareth 80 erasers.

25% = 25 / 100 = 25 ∙ 1 / 25 ∙ 4 = 1 / 4

Jareth give away 1 / 4 of 80 erasers.

1 / 4 ∙ 80 = 20

Jareth give away 20 erasers.