The Bakhshali Manuscript (300 CE) mentions the following problem. The amount given to the first person is not known. The second person is given twice as much as the first. The third person is given thrice as much as the second, and the fourth person four times as much as the third. The total amount distributed is 132. What is the amount given to the first person?

Question

Bright Tutorials · Accepted Answer

Let the amount given to the first person be x.
Amount given to second person = 2x
Amount given to third person = 3(2x) = 6x
Amount given to fourth person= 4(6x) = 24x
Total amount = 132
⇒ x + 2x + 6x + 24x = 132
⇒ 33x = 132
⇒ x = $\frac {132}{4}$
⇒ x = 4
The amount given to the first person is 4.

Finding the Unknown — Question 14