Three friends divided some apples in the ratio 3 : 5 : 7 among themselves. After consuming 16 apples they found that the remaining number of apples with them was equal to largest number of apples received by one of them at the beginning. Total number of apples these friends initially had was

It is given that the three friends divided some apples in the ratio 3:5:7 among themselves.

Let us assume the number of apples they received are 3x, 5x and 7x respectively.

After consuming 16 apples, they found that the remaining number of apples with them was equal to the largest number of apples received by one of them at the beginning.

Total apples they have = 3x+5x+7x = 15x

Apples consumed by them = 16

Highest number of apples received by any one person = 7x

So, 15x-16 = 7x

8x = 16

Therefore, x = 2

So, total number of apples initially = 15x = 15*2 = 30