Question

If Mary and Tom put their money together they have £36. If Mary's money were halved and Tom's money doubled they would have £42. How much does each of them have? If you're answering, could you please show working out, thanks so much.

Answer 1

Mary: £20

Tom: £16

Explanation:

Let x=the number of £ Mary has and y=number of £ Tom has.

x+y=36 ==>x=36-y

x/2+2y=42 ==> x+4y=84

36-y+4y=84

36+3y=84

3y=48

y=16

x+y=36, so x+16=36, so x=20