maddy had twice as many stamps as simon. After maddy sold 60 stamps, simon had twice as many stamps as maddy. how many more stamps did maddy have than simon in the beginning

40 stamps

Step-by-step explanation:

Let Maddy = M and Simon = S

Given that maddy had twice as many stamps as simon. That is,

M = 2S (1)

After maddy sold 60 stamps, simon had twice as many stamps as maddy. That is,

S = 2( M - 60) (2)

Substitutes M for 2S from equation (1) into equation (2)

S = 2( 2S - 60 )

Open the bracket

S = 4S - 120

Collect the like terms

S - 4S = -120

- 3S = - 120

S = 120/3

S = 40

Substitute S into the equation (1)

M = 2 × 40 = 80

Maddy has 80 - 40 = 40 stamp

Therefore, Maddy has 40 more stamps than simon in the beginning.