Question

On holidays three friends decided to buy a Christmas tree for $96. They made a cash contribution of 3: 5: 8. The two friends who invested less decided to return the third friend's money so that their cash contributions became the same. What is the ratio of the money returned by the first person to the money returned by the second person?

Answer 1

• 7 : 1

Explanation:

• Total money = $96
• Contribution ratio = 3 : 5 : 8

Contribution by each:

• 3x + 5x + 8x = 96
• 16x = 96
• x = 6
• 3x → $18, 5x → $30, 8x → $48

Equal contribution is:

• $96/3= $32

Returned by first and second person:

• $32 - $18 = $14
• $32 - $30 = $2

Ratio of returned amount:

• 14 : 2 = 7 : 1