Michael had five times as much money as Joelle. After Michael had given Joelle $142, they had an equal amount of money left. How much money did each of them have at first?
- Joelle
- Michael
|
Joelle |
Michael |
Before |
1 u |
5 u |
Change |
+ $142 |
- $142 |
After |
1 u + $142 |
5 u - $142 |
The amounts that Michael and Joelle had in the end are the same.
5 u - 142 = 1 u + 142
5 u - 1 u = 142 + 142
4 u = 284
1 u = 284 ÷ 4 = 71
Amount that Joelle had at first
= 1 u
= $71
Amount that Michael had at first
= 5 u
= 5 x 71
= $355
Answer(s): (a) $71; (b) $355