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.

CL
Answered by Chloe L. Maths tutor

3635 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do you find the volume of a conical frustum?


Solve the simultaneous equations: 4x+3y=5 and x-y=3, to find the values of x and y.


0.15^2 x (1-0.15)^3 to 2 s.f


Solve the simultaneous equations 1) 3x + 2y = 4 & 2) 4x + 5y = 17


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning