Final answer:
To represent the situation, we can write an equation where Patty's money is equal to 3 times the amount of money Latisha has plus $20. Then, we can solve for the value of Latisha's money.
Step-by-step explanation:
To represent the situation, we can write an equation using the information given. Let's define L as the amount of money Latisha has. We know that Patty has $20 more than 3 times the amount of money Latisha has, so we can write the equation as:
Patty's money = 3L + $20
Since Patty has $75, we can substitute that value into the equation:
75 = 3L + $20
Now, solve for L by subtracting $20 from both sides:
55 = 3L
Finally, divide both sides by 3 to solve for L:
L = 55/3
Therefore, the equation that represents the situation is Patty's money = 3L + $20, and the value of L is 55/3 dollars.