The first thing we must do for this case is to define a variable.
We have then:
x: total amount of money
We now write the equation that models the problem.
For the winner we have:



Then, for the second place we have:

Answer:
if the winner receives $6,000 the total amount of prize money distributed is: $12,000:
First place: $6,000
Second place: $1,500
Note: There is still money