SOLUTION: Peter has 4 times as many stamps as John. If Peter gives 36 stamps to John, he will have 2/3 as many stamps as John. How many stamps do the 2 boys have altogether?

Algebra ->  Percentage-and-ratio-word-problems -> SOLUTION: Peter has 4 times as many stamps as John. If Peter gives 36 stamps to John, he will have 2/3 as many stamps as John. How many stamps do the 2 boys have altogether?      Log On


   

Question 845460: Peter has 4 times as many stamps as John. If Peter gives 36 stamps to John, he will have 2/3 as many stamps as John. How many stamps do the 2 boys have altogether?
Answer by ewatrrr(24785) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
 

Hi,

Peter has 4 times as many stamps as "the number +highlight_green%28x%29John has. 

If Peter gives 36 stamps to John, he will have 2/3 as many stamps as John.

  (2/3)(4x - 36) = (x+36)     |Multiplying thru by 3 so as all denominators = 1

     2(4x-36) = 3(x+36)

    8x - 72 = 3x + 108

     5x =  180

       x = 36, number John has.  Peter has 144.   Together they have 180.



 CHECKING our answer***

%282%2F3%29%28144-36%29+=+%282%2F3%29%28108%29+=+2%2A36+=+72+=+36+%2B+36+

Wish You the Best in your Studies.