Question

Five sisters - Alexandra, Emily, Lisa, Martha, and Laura decide to purchase a big screen TV as a birthday gift for their mother. - Martha agrees to pay 20% of the cost -Emily gives $75 -Alexandra pays 25% of the cost -Laura gives $75 - Lisa contributes one-half of the cost. What is the total cost of the big screen Tv? What amount will each sister pay?

Answer 1

• Total cost: $3000
• Martha: $600
• Emily: $75
• Alexandra: $750
• Laura: $75
• Lisa: $1500

Explanation:

The percentages add to 95%, so the dollar amounts (total $150) comprise 5% of the cost. Then the total cost is ...

total cost × 5% = $150

total cost = $150/0.05 = $3000

And the percentages are ...

20% × $3000 = $600 (Martha's share)

25% × $3000 = $750 (Alexandra's share)

50% × $3000 = $1500 (Lisa's share)

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Check

$600 + 75 + 750 + 75 + 1500 = $3000 . . . as it should