Caleb had 90 pencils and pens. After giving away 1/3 of his pencils and 10 pens, he had an equal number of pencils and pens left. How many pencils did he have in the beginning?

Answer 1

X+y = 90

(2/3)X = y-10

(2/3)x + 10 = y

x + (2/3)x + 10 = 90

(5/3)x = 80

x = 80*3/5 = 240/5 = 48

y = 42

48 pencils and 42 pens

gave away 16 pencils and 10 pens

32 of each

48 pencils and 42 pens