Mark had thrice as much money as Joelle. After Mark had given Joelle $138, they had an equal amount of money left. How much money did each of them have at first?
- Joelle
- Mark
|
Joelle |
Mark |
Before |
1 u |
3 u |
Change |
+ $138 |
- $138 |
After |
1 u + $138 |
3 u - $138 |
The amounts that Mark and Joelle had in the end are the same.
3 u - 138 = 1 u + 138
3 u - 1 u = 138 + 138
2 u = 276
1 u = 276 ÷ 2 = 138
Amount that Joelle had at first
= 1 u
= $138
Amount that Mark had at first
= 3 u
= 3 x 138
= $414
Answer(s): (a) $138; (b) $414