SOLUTION: John eats 5/8 of a box of chocolates and leaves the rest for his friend. The box now contains 36 chocolates. How many chocolates were in the box at the start? How do I explain t

Algebra ->  Absolute-value -> SOLUTION: John eats 5/8 of a box of chocolates and leaves the rest for his friend. The box now contains 36 chocolates. How many chocolates were in the box at the start? How do I explain t      Log On


   

Question 934874: John eats 5/8 of a box of chocolates and leaves the rest for his friend. The box now contains 36 chocolates. How many chocolates were in the box at the start?
How do I explain to my 10 year old how to solve this?
Answer by dkppathak(439) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
John eats 5/8 of a box of chocolates and leaves the rest for his friend. The box now contains 36 chocolates. How many chocolates were in the box at the start?
let total chocolates in box are X and 5/8 of x eats
reaming in box = X-5x/8 =3x/8 or 3/8 of x
as per given conditions
3x/8=36
x=36.8/3=12.8=96
Answer 96 chocolates were in box at the start

now you can explain it like
as 5 parts chocolate eat out of 8 parts
3 parts reaming out of 8parts that are equal to 36 chocolate
3 parts=36
1 parts =36/3=12
than full 8 parts will be equal to 8x12=96 chocolate
you are wel come for such type problem explanation