Question

Paul and Tammy went out to dinner and the total of their meals was $37.85. Paul spent $12.55 less than what Tammy spent. How much did Paul spend?

Answer 1

Paul spent $12.65

Explanation:

Create a system of equations where p is how much Paul spent and t is how much Tammy spent.

p + t = 37.85

p = t - 12.55

Solve by substitution:

p + t = 37.85

(t - 12.55) + t = 37.85

2t - 12.55 = 37.85

2t = 50.4

t = 25.2

Find how much Paul spent by plugging in 25.5 as t into p = t - 12.55

p = t - 12.55

p = 25.2 - 12.55

p = 12.65

So, Paul spent $12.65