Question

Betsy has $468 in a personal bank account, and then withdraws $9 per week. Carlos has $18 in a personal bank account, and then deposits $66 earned from yard work each week. After how many weeks will they have the same amount of money in the bank?

Answer 1

Answer: 9 weeks

Explanation:

First, we would have to set up an equation.

468 - 9w = 18 + 66w

The variable w stands for weeks.

We need to figure out when their bank account will become equal.

So, we need to solve for w.

First, let’s combine like terms. I will move 9w to the other side.

468 = 18 + 66w + 9w

Then simplify:

464 = 18 + 55w

Then, do the same as you did before, just move the 18 to the other side. Keep in mind that when a number switches sides, it’s switches signs (from negative to positive or positive to negative)

464 + 18 = 55w

482 = 55w

To isolate the variable, you would have to divided 55w by 55. Keep in mind, what you do to one side of an equation you must do to the other.

482/55 = 55w/55

8.76 = w

When you round to the nearest whole number, it will be 9 weeks.

Therefore, it will take 9 weeks for them to have the same amount of money in the bank.