Question

Mr. Sanford left half of his fortune to April, his daughter. He left of the remaining half to his uncle Jed. He left half of the remaining half to his favorite charity. He left the remaining $30,000 to the local animal shelter. What was the total amount of Mr. Sanford’s fortune?

Answer 1

9514 1404 393

Answer:

$240,000

Explanation:

Let f represent Mr. Sanford's fortune.

1/2x went to April, so 1/2x remains.

1/2(1/2x) = 1/4x went to Jed, so 1/2x -1/4x = 1/4x remains.

1/2(1/4x) = 1/8x went to charity, so 1/4x -1/8x = 1/8x remains.

That remaining 1/8x was $30,000, so the total amount of Mr. Sanford's fortune was ...

8 × $30,000 = $240,000