Question

Alex and Freddy collect stamps. The number of stamps in Alex’s collection to the number of stamps in Freddy’s collection is in the ratio of 3:5. How much more stamps does Freddy have if together they have 136 stamps?
Please explain how you got the answer. Thanks.

Answer 1

Remark

The trick here is to realize that you have to find the number both have in order to find the difference. That means you take (effectively) 3/8 and 5/8 to find out how much each of them has. The 8 stands for the 136

Step One

Find the number of stamps Alex has. Remember his ratio is the smaller so he will have 3/8

Alex = 3/8 * 136

Alex = 408/8 = 51

Step 2

Find the number that Freddy has.

The total is 136

Formula

Freddy = Total - Alex

Freddy = 136 - 51

Freddy = 85

Check

Let us see if 5/8 * 136 = 85

5*136/8 = 680 / 8 = 85 So your answers are correct.

Difference

Difference = 85 - 51 = 34 which is how many more stamps Freddy has than Alex.