How many did he actually buy?

Question

Johnny, despite his mother's objections, spent his whole allowance of $2.16 ($2.00, with 16 cents left from last week) on bubble gum. If the pieces of gum had been a penny cheaper, he would have received three more pieces than he did.
How many did he actually buy?

Answer 1

He actually bought 24 bubble gums @ 9 penny apiece. At 8 penny, he could have bought 27 bubble gums

Answer 2

24 gums @ 9 cents each. He would have got 27 gums @ 8 cents if gum costed one penny less...