Basic Math Help

Question

In 1987, a property group and a realty corporation merged to form the largest real estate company in a country, owning 248 shopping centers in 32 states. Prior to merging, the property group owned three times as many properties as the realty corporation. How many properties did each company own before the merger?

Answer 1

Total shopping center = 248

X = Number of shopping centers owned by realty company

3X = Number of shopping centers owned by property group

 

3X + X = 248

4X = 248

X = 62 (realty company)

3X = 186(property group)

 

62 + 186 = 248