Question

All together Maria and Nick had $12. After Maria spent 30% of her money and Nick spent 50 % of his money, Maria and Nick were left with the same amount. How much money did Nick have to begin with?

Answer 1

$4.5

Explanation:

Let the amount of money

Maria had = x

Nick had = y

All together Maria and Nick had $12.

= x + y = 12

x = 12 - y

After Maria spent 30% of her money and Nick spent 50 % of his money, Maria and Nick were left with the same amount.

30% of x = 50% of y

30/100 × x = 50/100 × y

0.3x = 0.5y

We substitute 12 - y for x above

0.3(12 - y) = 0.5y

3.6 - 0.3y = 0.5y

3.6 = 0.5y + 0.3y

3.6 = 0.8y

y = 3.6/0.8

y = $4.5

Therefore, in the beginning, Nick originally had $4.5