Fred and ethyl had 132 flowers altogether at first. after fred sold 1/4 of his flowers and ethyl sold 48 of her flowers, they had the same number of flowers left. how many did they each have at first?

F + E = 132
3/4 F = E - 48           ( after Fred sold 1/4 of his flowers there is 3/4 flowers left )

E = 132 - F
3/4 F = 132 - F - 48
3/4 F + F = 84
7/4 F = 84
F = 84 : 7/4 = 84 * 4/7 = 48
E = 132 - 48 = 84
We can prove it: 3/4 * 48 = 84 - 48
36 = 36 ( correct )

Fred had 48 flowers and Ethel 84 flowers.