Solution

Let’s approach this step-by-step:

1. Let’s say the number of non-fiction books is x. Then the number of fiction books is 2x.
2. Total number of books: x + 2x = 3x = 48
3. Solving for x: 3x = 48, so x = 16
   This means there are 16 non-fiction books and 32 fiction books.
4. Number of shelves: 4
   Books per shelf: 48 ÷ 4 = 12
5. On each shelf, fiction books = non-fiction books + 3

Let’s verify:

• Non-fiction books per shelf: (16 total ÷ 4 shelves) = 4
• Fiction books per shelf: (32 total ÷ 4 shelves) = 8

Indeed, 8 fiction books is 3 more than 4 non-fiction books on each shelf.

Therefore, each shelf will have:

• 4 non-fiction books
• 8 fiction books

This solution satisfies all the given conditions:

• Total books: 4 × 12 = 48
• Fiction (32) is twice non-fiction (16)
• Books are equally distributed (12 per shelf)
• Each shelf has both types of books
• Each shelf has 3 more fiction than non-fiction books