SOLUTION: Hello, Looking for some help with the following word problem. Looking for the total number of bolts in tool bin. Person #1 takes out 1/3. Person #2 takes out 1/4 after person #

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Question 391394: Hello,
Looking for some help with the following word problem.
Looking for the total number of bolts in tool bin.
Person #1 takes out 1/3.
Person #2 takes out 1/4 after person #1 takes out 1/3.
Person #3 takes out 2/3 after person #2 takes out 1/4.
There are now 6 bolts remaining in the bin, what is the total number of bolts started with.
Thanks a lot in advance for the help.
Found 3 solutions by ewatrrr, rfer, solver91311:
Answer by ewatrrr(24785)   (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

Hi,
Let x represent the total number of bolts in tool bin.

(There are 6/12 or 1/2 left when 3rd person draws)

solving for x

6x -3x - 2x = 6*6
x = 36 was the total number of bolts in tool bin.
CHECKING our Answer
36 - 12 - 6 - 2/3*18 = 6

Answer by rfer(16322)   (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
I hope I got this right.
You work these backwards.
6 is 1/3 of the last bunch left
6/(1/3)=6*3/1=18
18/(3/4)=18*4/3=24
24/(2/3)=24*3/2=36 total
Be sure to check my work
Bob

Answer by solver91311(24713)   (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

Work backwards.

Start with the 6 bolts that remain in the bin. Since the last person took 2/3 of the remaining bolts leaving 6, then 6 must represent 1/3 of what was in the bin before the last person took any. 6 is 1/3 of 18. Now we know that 18 bolts remained in the bin after person 2 did his thing. See if you can get the rest on your own from here. Write back if you need more help.

John

My calculator said it, I believe it, that settles it