A rare coin collection initially has a ratio of gold to non-gold coins equal to 1:3. After adding 10 more gold coins, the ratio becomes 1:2. What is the total number of coins in the collection after the addition?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 90

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Ratio problems often require translating a verbal description into algebraic relationships. When a quantity changes and a new ratio is specified, you can set up an equation to solve for the original numbers, then recompute the updated totals.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Initial ratio gold : non-gold = 1 : 3.
  • 10 gold coins are added.
  • New ratio becomes 1 : 2 (gold : non-gold).


Concept / Approach:
Let initial gold coins = g; then non-gold = 3g. After adding 10 gold coins, the new ratio is (g + 10) : 3g = 1 : 2. Solve for g, then compute the final total after addition.


Step-by-Step Solution:

(g + 10) / (3g) = 1 / 2Cross-multiply: 2(g + 10) = 3g2g + 20 = 3g ⇒ g = 20Initial total = g + 3g = 4g = 80After adding 10 gold coins: total = 80 + 10 = 90


Verification / Alternative check:
New gold = 20 + 10 = 30; non-gold = 60. Ratio = 30 : 60 = 1 : 2, consistent with the condition.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 80, 60, 50, 70: These do not match the updated ratio when the 10 gold coins are added and checked against non-gold counts.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Interpreting “1:2” as non-gold : gold instead of gold : non-gold.
  • Forgetting to add 10 only to gold coins, not to both categories.


Final Answer:
90

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