Number of chickens

Question

Paul needs to keep 16 chickens on his farm in order to keep it operating. Someone stole 4 chickens from his farm last night. He now has 3 times less than he did before. How many more does he need to keep his farm operating?

Answer 1

Hi Gigi,

 

I hope someone catches the chicken thief. . .  look for someone covered in feathers.

 

After losing 4 chickens, Paul has 1/3 of his previous total which we'll call X.

 

So, X - 4 = X/3

 

Convert 4 to thirds by multiplying by 3--> X - 12/3 = X/3

 

Add 12/3 to both sides-->X = (12 + X)/3

 

Multiply both sides by 3--> 3X = 12 + X

 

Subtract X from both sides--> 2X = 12

 

Divide both sides by 2--> X = 6

 

If Paul needs 16 chickens to operate, he needs 10 more.

 

I hope he locks the chicken coop this time.

 

Dan