Okay, let's break this down step-by-step:
* Mary started the account with m dollars
* The balance increased to 6.2 times the sum of m dollars and $4
* So the balance became: 6.2 * (m + 4)
* Mary then withdrew 3 times the starting amount (3 * m)
* The remaining balance is 348.80
To find m, the starting amount, we can set this up as an equation:
6.2 * (m + 4) - 3m = 348.80
Simplify:
6.2m + 24 - 3m = 348.80
3.2m + 24 = 348.80
3.2m = 324.80
m = 101
So the amount of money Mary used to start the account was $101.
Here are the key steps:
1) Identify the starting amount as m dollars
2) Calculate the increased balance: 6.2 * (m + 4)
3) Calculate the withdrawal amount: 3 * m
4) Set up an equation to solve for m:
6.2m + 24 - 3m = 348.80
5) Simplify and solve the equation for m
6) The solution is m = 101 therefore the starting amount was $101
Does this help explain the steps and logic to solve the word problem? Let me know if any part of the solution is unclear or if you have any other questions!
I can also re-explain the steps in another way or provide an additional example if needed. The core concept is setting up the necessary calculations and equations to work backwards and determine the unknown starting value (m) based on the provided information about deposits, withdrawals, and ending balances.
Please feel free to ask for clarification or provide another example you would like help solving. I'm happy to discuss word problems and strategy further!