First, we model two equations that satisfy the problem. Let x be the number of sweets in the first jar, and y the number of sweets in the second jar. First equation: (x-20)/1 = (y+20)/2 or (x-20)/(y+20) = 1/2
Second equation: [(x-20)+60]/3 = [(y+20)-60]/1 or (x+40) = 3(y-40)
Expressing the first equation in terms of y, we have: y = 2x - 60
Plugging it in to the second equation: (x+40) = 3[(2x-60) - 40] 5x = 340 x = 68
y = 2(68)-60 = 76
The first jar originally had 68 sweets and the second jar originally had 76 sweets.
