Sean had thrice as much money as Mary. After Sean had given Mary $161, they had an equal amount of money left. How much money did each of them have at first?
- Mary
- Sean
|
Mary |
Sean |
Before |
1 u |
3 u |
Change |
+ $161 |
- $161 |
After |
1 u + $161 |
3 u - $161 |
The amounts that Sean and Mary had in the end are the same.
3 u - 161 = 1 u + 161
3 u - 1 u = 161 + 161
2 u = 322
1 u = 322 ÷ 2 = 161
Amount that Mary had at first
= 1 u
= $161
Amount that Sean had at first
= 3 u
= 3 x 161
= $483
Answer(s): (a) $161; (b) $483