Question

Emily and Sarah had a total of $80. After Sarah spent 1/3 of her money and Emily spent $17, Emily had twice as much money as Sarah. How much more money did Emily have than Sarah at first?

Answer 1

Emily = E
Sarah = S

At the end

E = 2S (Because Emily has double Sarah)
E -> E + 17 (To make up the $17 she spent)
2S -> 3S (Because 2S is two thirds the amount Sarah had, as she spent a third)
E + 17 + 3S = 80 (Because their original amounts were equal to $80)
E + 3S = 63 (Simplifying equation)

I think Emily had 3x as much as Sarah