Xuxian and Rachel had the same number of marbles. After Rachel gave away 22 marbles, Rachel had 3 times as many marbles as Xuxian. How many marbles did each of them have at first
This question makes no sense.....if they both start wiith the same number and Rachel gives 22 of them away, she can't end up with 3 times as many marbles as Xuxian
Ah... I see what you mean, happy7.......can you show how you got your answer.....or did you just use logic???
I guessed and tested. I knew that they would have to have more than 22 marbles at the start. Then I thought, Maybe I'll start at thirty and work my way up.
30-22=8.
8*3=24.
Too low.
35-22=13
13*3=39
Too high.
Maybe in the middle.
33-22=11
11*3=33
Just right.
And there you have it. The answer
OK....I used to do that, too!!!.....it can be effective.....but sometimes lengthy....
Let's solve it with some math
Let x be the number they both start with
And when Rachel gives away 22, Xuxian has 3 times as many.
So, at the end, Rachel has x -22 and Xuxian has x + 22
And 3 times the number she has = Xuxian's total......so we have
3(x - 22) = x + 22 simplify
3x - 66 = x + 22 subtract x from both sides
2x - 66 = 22 add 66 to both sides
2x = 88 divide both sides by 2
x = 44 this is what they started with
So, Rachel ends up with 44 - 22 = 22
And Xuxian ends up with 44 + 22 = 66
Your answer could be correct... but it didn't say who Rachel gave her marbles to. So I guess we are both right.. or could be right at least... the question isn't specific.