Tom had thrice as much money as Tina. After Tom had given Tina $179, they had an equal amount of money left. How much money did each of them have at first?
- Tina
- Tom
|
Tina |
Tom |
Before |
1 u |
3 u |
Change |
+ $179 |
- $179 |
After |
1 u + $179 |
3 u - $179 |
The amounts that Tom and Tina had in the end are the same.
3 u - 179 = 1 u + 179
3 u - 1 u = 179 + 179
2 u = 358
1 u = 358 ÷ 2 = 179
Amount that Tina had at first
= 1 u
= $179
Amount that Tom had at first
= 3 u
= 3 x 179
= $537
Answer(s): (a) $179; (b) $537