Question

A while back , either James borrowed $12 from his friend Rita or she borrowed $12 from him , but he can’t quite remember which either way he is planning to pay her backs or ask that she pay him back this afternoon of he has $42.80 in his, wallet which equation represents the amount of money he may have after he sees Rita ?

Answer 1

x=42.80±12

Explanation:

He knows he is either getting or losing $12

Answer 2

Explanation:

He has 42.80

Call x the amount that he will have

If he pays 12 to Rita, x = 42.80 - 12

If he receives 12 from Rita, x = 42.80 + 12

From the first equality

x - 42.8 = -12

From the second equality

x - 42.8 = +12

Then |x - 42.80| = 12