Kevin C. answered • 08/12/19
Successful Math Tutor -- Recently retired high school math teacher
Let x represent the numbers of candies.
Number to sis = (1/3)x number to bro = 4, number eaten by her = 12
So (1/3)x + 4 + 12 = x
(1/3)x +16 = x
Mult by 3: x + 48 = 3x Therefore: there were 2x = 48, or x = 24.
Check: sis = 8, Bro = 4, She ate 12 8 + 4 + 12 = 24.
Gigi G.
I meant entering 6th grade08/13/19
Gigi G.
Why do you multiply by 3 and how do you get 2x=48?08/13/19
Kyle C.
Gigi, I believe I can further explain. When you have a fraction, it would be best to eliminate it because fractions make problems more complicated. In the step "(1/3)x + 16 = x" you can get rid of the 1/3 by multiplying everything by its reciprocal, which is 3/1 or 3. You multiple 1/3 by 3/1 to even it out and end up with "x." But you also need to multiply the rest of the equation by 3, which is why he ended up with x + 48 = 3x. Next, you want to get x by itself. You can subtract the x from the 3x to get 2x = 48. You can then divide both sides by 2 to get x = 24. They had 24 total candies. Now let's check to make sure this is correct. Elle gave one third of her candies (24) to her sister, which is 8. She then gave four to her brother. She ate the remaining 12. 1/3 x 24 = 8, 24 - 8 = 16, 16-4 = 12 (remaining for Elle.) I hope this helps!08/13/19
Kevin C.
Thanks, Kyle. Next time, I'll explain more fully. Gigi, I thought you were in algebra. You are bright and really want to understand. Kevin08/13/19
Gigi G.
Thank you both! That helped a lot!08/13/19
Rehtse R.
You guys totally missed the question which was How many chocolate candies were in the box originally?06/27/22
Gigi G.
Can you please explain (breakdown further) the multiply by 3 part and after?? I am entering 5th grade and have never had algebra. This is on my summer homework packet.08/13/19