A bag contains only apple and oranges. The probability an apple is picked randomly is 1 in 5. The apple is returned, and five more apples are added to the bag. The probability of an apple being picked is now 1in 3. How many apples were there originally?

2 simultaneous unknown equations. Let x be the number of apples originally, and n the number of fruits in the bag in total originally. i) first scenario, where probability is 1/5, x/n = 1/5    5x= n  ii) second scenario, where 5 apples where added. (x+5)/(n+5)=1/3 3x+15= n+5present them as one equation: i) +5 on the n side---> 5x+5=n+5. Now can it can be presented as: 5x+5= 3x+15. solve the equation:5x-3x=15-5; 2x=10x=5. Therefore, there were 5 apple originally in the bag.

Answered by Chloe L. Maths tutor

3181 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

At whats points does the graph of (t^2)+8t+7 intersect the x axis


What grade did you achieve?


Show that 12 cos 30° - 2 tan 60° can be written in the form root (k) where k is an integer.


2476 people are at a football match. The ratio of men to women is 3 : 1. How many more men than women are at the match?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences