Gabriel had thrice as much money as Jen. After Gabriel had given Jen $137, they had an equal amount of money left. How much money did each of them have at first?
- Jen
- Gabriel
|
Jen |
Gabriel |
Before |
1 u |
3 u |
Change |
+ $137 |
- $137 |
After |
1 u + $137 |
3 u - $137 |
The amounts that Gabriel and Jen had in the end are the same.
3 u - 137 = 1 u + 137
3 u - 1 u = 137 + 137
2 u = 274
1 u = 274 ÷ 2 = 137
Amount that Jen had at first
= 1 u
= $137
Amount that Gabriel had at first
= 3 u
= 3 x 137
= $411
Answer(s): (a) $137; (b) $411