there were 900 oranges and apples in a box. When 7/9 of the oranges and 2/3 of the apples were taken out from the box, there was an equal number of oranges and apples left. How many more oranges than apples were there at first?
Let original number of apples be A
Then original number of oranges = 900 – A
Taking out of the oranges leaves
Taking out of apples leaves
Since the numbers are then the same, we get:
9A = 3(1,800 – 2A) -------- Cross-multiplying
9A = 5,400 – 6A
9A + 6A = 5,400
15A = 5,400 = 15A
Original number of apples, or A =
Original number of oranges:
From this info. you should be able to find your answer!