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3 friends divided some strawberries equally. After they each ate 4 strawberries, the total number of strawberries left was equal to the amount each friend had at the beginning. How many strawberries were there at first?

Sep 2, 2021

#1
+13033
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How many strawberries were there at first?

Hello Guest!

$$\dfrac{x}{3}+\dfrac{x}{3}+\dfrac{x}{3}=x\\ 3\cdot (\dfrac{x}{3}-4)=\dfrac{x}{3}\\ x-12=\dfrac{x}{3}\\ \dfrac{2x}{3}=12$$

$$\large x=18$$

$${\color{blue}18\ strawberries}\ were\ there\ at\ first.$$

!

Sep 3, 2021
#2
+318
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Let total number of strawberries = x.

Since 3 friends divided strawberries equally therefore

each friends get x/3 strawberries.

Because           x/3 + x/3 + x/3 = x.

Since, after they each ate 4 strawberries, the total number of strawberries left was equal to the amount each friend had at the beginning.

That is (x/3-4) + (x/3-4) (x/3-4) = x/3 (because at the beginning each friend has x/3 strawberries).

=>  3x/3 - 12 = x/3

=>  n - 12 = x/3     =>  3(n - 12) = x

=>  3n - 36 = n   =>  2n = 36   =>  n = 18

The total number of strawberries = 18

apsiganocj  Sep 9, 2021