SOLUTION: Matt the Magician had 4 times as many black balloons as purple balloons. After he gave away 9 black balloons, he found that he had an equal number of black and purple balloons left

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Question 1189681: Matt the Magician had 4 times as many black balloons as purple balloons. After he gave away 9 black balloons, he found that he had an equal number of black and purple balloons left. How many balloons did Matt the Magician have at first?
Answer by ikleyn(52759) About Me  (Show Source):
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Matt the Magician had 4 times as many black balloons as purple balloons.
After he gave away 9 black balloons, he found that he had an equal number
of black and purple balloons left. How many balloons did Matt the Magician have at first?
~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

 x = # of purple balloons;

4x = # of black  balloons.


Equation

    4x - 9 = x


Solution

    4x - x = 9

       3x  = 9

        x  = 9/3 = 3.


ANSWER.  3 purple balloons and 4*3 = 12 black balloons.

Solved.