Question

Max and Jack had 86 stamps. If Max gives 36 stamps to Karl, Max and Jack would have the same number of stamps left. How many stamps does Max need to give to Jack so that they have the same number of stamps? (Max did not give any stamps to Karl and is not planning to do it!)

Answer 1

18 stamps

Explanation:

Answer 2

18 stamps

Explanation:

If the number of stamps Max has is reduced by 36 and Jack's collection remains unchanged, then Max and Jack have the same number of stamps.

Thus, if Max gives Jack (36/2 =) 18 stamps, they will have the same number of stamps.

Max needs to give Jack 18 stamps so they have the same number.

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More solution than is required

Since their total of 86 remains unchanged after Jack gets 18 stamps from Max, Jack must start with 86/2 -18 = 25 stamps. Max must have 86-25 = 61 stamps to start with.