Question

4. A bullock and a donkey were carrying boxes on their backs. The bullock
complained to the donkey that his load was too heavy. The donkey consoled him
by saying, 'If you gave me one of your boxes, I would have double what you have
and if I gave you one of my boxes, we both would have an equal load!
How many boxes is each animal carrying?​

Answer 1

The mule was carrying 5 sacks and the donkey was carrying 7

sacks.

Let's assume that the mule was carrying M sacks and the

the donkey was carrying D sacks.

As the donkey told the mule, "If you gave me one of your

sacks I'd have double what you have."

D + 1 = 2 * (M-1)

D + 1 = 2M - 2

D = 2M - 3

The donkey also said, "If I give you one of my sacks we'd

have an even amount."

D - 1 = M + 1

D = M + 2

Comparing both the equations,

2M - 3 = M + 2

M = 5

Substituting M=5 in any of the above equation, we get D=7

VERIFICATION-

5 - 1 = 7 + 1/2

4 = 4

5 + 1 = 7 - 1

6 = 6

VERIFIED

Hence, the mule was carrying 5 sacks and the donkey was

carrying 7 sacks.