Question

Three friends are comparing their weekly paychecks. Donald discovers that he earned one-third of Michael's paycheque, and $80 less than Jacob's paycheque. Together, the three friends earned $2920 in one week. How much did each friend earn?

Answer 1

Answer: Michael's paycheque = $ 1704

Donald's paycheque = $ 568

Jacob's paycheque = $ 648

Explanation:

Let x = Michael's paycheque

Donald's paycheque =
`\frac13x`

Jacob's paycheque =
`\frac 13 x+80`

Together, the three friends earned $2920 in one week.

`\Rightarrow\ x+\frac13x+\frac13 x+80=2920\Rightarrow\ ((3+1+1)/(3))x=2920-80\\\\\Rightarrow\ (5)/(3)x=2840\\\\\Rightarrow\ x=2840*(3)/(5)\\\\\Rightarrow\ x=1704`

Michael's paycheque = $ 1704

Donald's paycheque =
`(1704)/(3)=\$ 568`

Jacob's paycheque = $ 568+80 = $ 648