Question

Sarah and Bryan went shopping and spent a total of $47.50. Bryan spent $15.50 less than what Sarah spent. How much did Bryan spend?

Answer 1

Bryan spent $16

Explanation:

Sarah + Bryan = $47.50

Bryan = Sarah - $15.50

So substitute:

Sarah + (Sarah - $15.50) = $47.50 (add $15.50 to both sides)

Sarah + Sarah = $63

2* Sarah = $63 (divide by 2 on both sides)

Sarah = $31.50

So

Bryan = Sarah - $15.50 (Substitute what you calculated above_

Bryan = $31.50 - $15.50

Bryan = $16