2/5 (x-123) = x/4
Now solve for x
Desmond had some pebbles. He gave 123 pebbles to Jason and 3/5 of the remaining pebbles to Ali. He was left with 1/4 of the number of pebbles he had at first. How many pebbles did he have at first?
2 answers
Let Desmond have x pebbles
after the give-away:
Desmond has x - 123 - (3/5)(x - 123)
then you said:
x - 123 - (3/5)(x - 123) = (1/4)x
x - (3/5)x - (1/4)x = 123 - 369/5
3x/20 = 246/5
x = 328
check:
gave 123 to jason, so has 205 left
gave (3/5) of 205 or he gave another 123 to Ali
number left = 205-123 = 82 , which is 1/4 of the 328 he had at the start.
after the give-away:
Desmond has x - 123 - (3/5)(x - 123)
then you said:
x - 123 - (3/5)(x - 123) = (1/4)x
x - (3/5)x - (1/4)x = 123 - 369/5
3x/20 = 246/5
x = 328
check:
gave 123 to jason, so has 205 left
gave (3/5) of 205 or he gave another 123 to Ali
number left = 205-123 = 82 , which is 1/4 of the 328 he had at the start.