Question 1184922
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You might set this problem up for solving by letting x be the number of oranges, making the number of apples (3/5)x.  If you are careful you should end up with the right answer.<br>
I would prefer setting the problem up without fractions at the very beginning.  So I would do this:<br>
let 5x = # of oranges
let 3x = # of apples<br>
Then 5x-26 is the number of oranges he ends up with; and 3x-6 is the number of apples he ends up with.<br>
The number of apples he ends up with is 3/4 the number of oranges he ends up with:<br>
{{{3x-6=(3/4)(5x-26)}}}
{{{4(3x-6)=3(5x-26)}}}
{{{12x-24=15x-78}}}
{{{54=3x}}}
{{{x=18}}}<br>
ANSWER: The total number of apples and oranges he bought was 5x+3x = 8x = 8*18 = 144<br>
CHECK:
oranges: started with 5x=90; gave away 26, ending with 64
apples: started with 3x=54; gave away 6, ending with 48
48/64 = 3/4<br>