Nathan had 4/7 as many pens as Henry at first. After Nathan bought 19 more pens and Henry gave away 8 pens, they had an equal number of pens in the end. How many pens did Nathan have at first?

Answer 1

Henry had x
Nathan had 4x/7

Nathan got 19 more ----> now has 4x/7 + 19
Henry gave away 8 ---- now has x - 8

4x/7 + 19 = x - 8
4x/7 - x = -27
4x - 7x = -189
x = 63

Nathan had 4x/7 at first
= (4/7)(63) = 36